'Saved by the Bell' actor Dustin Diamond posts bail, appears for court hearing
PORT WASHINGTON (WITI) -- "Screech" is out of jail! Dustin Diamond, the actor who played Screech in the 1990s television show "Saved by the Bell" made a court appearance in Ozaukee County Monday, December 29th.
37-year-old Diamond was arrested on Christmas -- last Thursday, December 25th. He's accused of stabbing a man during a bar fight.
Diamond spent four nights in jail. Around 1:00 p.m. Monday, he posted $10,000 bail. Shortly thereafter, he appeared for a status hearing in Ozaukee County court.
Diamond faces three charges: second degree recklessly endangering safety (a felony), carrying a concealed weapon and disorderly conduct. Diamond's fiancee, 27-year-old Amanda Schutz faces a misdemeanor disorderly conduct charge.
Schutz and Diamond were arrested on Christmas after Diamond allegedly stabbed someone inside the Grand Avenue Saloon in Port Washington. A criminal complaint filed in the case says Diamond told police other patrons were being rude, and that he was defending his fiancee.
"I can't speak to that. The judge was very strict about speaking outside of the courtroom about these issues, but he is in very solid legal ground," Diamond's attorney Thomas P. Alberti told FOX6 News.
Inside the courtroom on Monday, Diamond was quiet. Schutz sat at his side. Monday's proceedings were quick, as the judge went over Diamond's charges and set a date for his preliminary hearing.
"I can tell you that Dustin does have complete faith in the legal system. He understands that this process has to take place and he's okay with it. He's not happy about missing the Packers game (Sunday) but other than that we're completely fine with the process and letting the courts do its thing," Alberti said.
The judge placed a gag order on both Diamond and the prosecution, saying he didn't want to make it any more difficult to get a jury for a trial in this case.
Diamond's preliminary hearing has been scheduled for January 5th at 11:00 a.m.
Below is video posted to TMZ.com showing Diamond inside the Grand Avenue Saloon on Christmas.
WARNING: There is extremely strong language in the video below. It is not appropriate for all audiences. Viewer discretion is advised.
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