Tawny was arrested in Newport Beach, and charged with domestic abuse and battery on April 1, 2002, for attacking her then-husband, Chuck Finley, while the two were driving home. Tawny reportedly kicked Finley several times with her stiletto high heeled-boots, and severely twisted his ear, leaving visible marks. Finley filed for a divorce three days later. She took a plea bargain, and Finley was granted a temporary restraining order against her, and temporary custody of their children. Her plea bargain included counseling for substance abuse, anger management, and conflict resolution. She also made a $500 donation to a battered-women's shelter in exchange for the dismissal of two misdemeanor counts of spousal abuse.