Morgan Wallen Pleads Guilty to 2 Misdemeanor Charges, Sentenced to Probation & a Week in DUI Education Center
Morgan Wallen pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor counts in a Nashville courtroom on Thursday (Dec. 12) following an April incident during which he threw a chair off the sixth-floor balcony of Eric Church’s bar, Chief’s, in April.
He was sentenced to probation for two years and seven days in a DUI education center.
Wallen pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor counts of reckless endangerment, which had been pled down from the original charges, which were three Class E felonies for reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon (the chair) and one misdemeanor charge of disorderly conduct.
Thursday’s appearance followed a hearing on Tuesday (Dec. 10), which Wallen did not attend, but where his attorney, Worrick Robinson asked to waive the country artist’s right to a preliminary hearing and a grand jury.
Wallen, wearing a gray blazer, black pants and black shirt, entered the courtroom Thursday with his attorney and security. It was the first time he has attended any of the hearings following the April incident. In the courtroom, Wallen and his attorney Worrick Robinson stood before Judge Cynthia Chappell, who reiterated the charges that Wallen was entering a guilty plea for. Wallen kept his comments to a minimum during the session, mostly answering the judge’s questions with a direct, soft-spoken “Yes, ma’am” or “No, ma’am.” Following the session, Wallen and his attorney exited the courtroom.
In a statement following the hearing, Robinson said, “Earlier today, Morgan Wallen appeared in Davidson County Circuit Court with Judge Cynthia Chappell presiding, where he entered a conditional plea pursuant to Tennessee’s Diversion Statute that does not result in a conviction. The plea agreement with the Office of the District Attorney requires Mr. Wallen to spend seven days at a DUI education center, be on probation for two years — one year for each of the misdemeanor charges for reckless endangerment— pay a $350 fine and court fees. Upon the successful completion of his probation, the charges will be eligible for dismissal and expungement … Mr. Wallen has cooperated fully with authorities throughout these last eight months, directly communicating and apologizing to all involved. Mr. Wallen remains committed to making a positive impact through his music and foundation.”
The court date comes three weeks after Wallen won entertainer of the year at the CMA Awards on Nov. 20.
Melinda Newman
Billboard
