`Orange Is The New Black` actress cleared of assault charges

New York: Actress Dascha Polanco, best known for playing Diaz on "Orange Is The New Black", has been freed from assault charges that her neighbour had filed against her.

The Manhattan district attorney's office dismissed the case on Wednesday, reports people.com.

Michelle Cardona accused Polanco of attacking her in the 18-year-old's house in Upper Manhattan last year.

In the court documents, Cardona said she was punched in her face and head several times. Polanco also reportedly scratched Cardona's arms.

Polanco had denied the allegations and her lawyer presented evidence to the district attorney's office demonstrating that the charges were false. 

Investigators conducted a "thorough investigation" into the allegations while Polanco was offered what was called an adjournment in contemplation of dismissal. The charges would be formally dropped if Polanco remained trouble-free for six months. 

"From the start, Ms. Polanco has denied the allegations and we have said that the charges should be dismissed," attorney Gerald B. Lefcourt said in a statement. 

"We are pleased that after a thorough investigation and review of the actual evidence, the District Attorney's Office has done the right thing and agreed to dismiss the case against Ms. Polanco," Lefcourt added.