Mel Gibson Torn Over Impending Charge

Mel Gibson tore Oksana Grigorieva a new one in a series of epic rants.

Now he's torn over how to proceed when he's charged with a crime.

Sources connected to Mel say he knows he will be charged, but is agonizing over the prospect of putting his family through a long, public trial.

At this point, does Mel simply want it all to go away?

Because Mel feels he will face only a low-level misdemeanor charge, the actor may be able to take a lighter sentence if he simply pleads guilty.

Even though he feels he's innocent, he's not sure he has the stomach to endure a year-long legal fight and the impact it will have on his kids.

Gibson could be charged with a misdemeanor as early as today stemming from the January 6, 2010 blowout between him and Oksana Grigorieva.

Oksana is likely in the clear on extortion allegations. Stay tuned.