HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) — Attorney Dominic Barbara, who once represented some of Long Island’s most notorious clients, has pleaded not guilty to a charge of obstruction of breathing.

Nassau County police arrested Barbara on Sunday night for allegedly trying to choke his girlfriend at a home in Williston Park late last month, according to a complaint.

The woman said the two had been arguing when Barbara allegedly attempted to choke her, according to the complaint.

Barbara represented himself at his arraignment at First District Court in Hempstead on Monday.

He was released on his own recognizance and is due back in court Oct. 7.

He faces up to a year in jail if convicted.

Barbara once represented clients including Joey Buttafuoco and Jessica Hahn, a church secretary who had an affair with televangelist Jim Bakker.

He has previously been arrested on charges of harassing his ex-wife, and faces a larceny charge for shoplifting.

Barbara was also the subject of an investigation in Suffolk County last September, for allegedly threatening a former client with mafia retribution.

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