Michael Vick will enter plea in federal court
It looks like Michael Vick's defense lawyers have convinced him to enter a guilty plea to federal criminal charges in Virginia. Considering the evidence, and the co-defendants lining up to testify against him, it's not a surprise. The story is still developing, and the details of the plea agreement have not been released. But Vick's lawyer said the following earlier today:
"Mr. Vick has agreed to enter a plea of guilty to these charges and to accept full responsibility for those actions and for the mistakes he has made," Billy Martin, Vick's attorney, said in a statement issued Monday afternoon. "Michael wishes to apologize to everyone who has been hurt by this matter."
The Atlanta Journal Constitution discusses the plea and its possible effect on Vick's career with the Atlanta Falcons.
What happens now is simple, but uncertain. Vick will appear in federal court on Monday for a change of plea hearing under Rule 11 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure. The judge will review the factual basis of the plea to determine if there are enough facts to prove that Vick committed a federal crime. The judge will also advise Vick about the rights he is giving up by entering a guilty plea. The judges will probably discuss the main provisions of any plea agreement between the defendant and the government to make sure Vick understands them and they are on the record.
After the plea agreement is accepted by the judge, Vick should be free to go until his sentencing hearing. In the meantime, the federal probation office will draft a presentence investigation report that will discuss the facts of the offense and Vick's personal background. The report will also recommend a sentence based on the federal sentencing guidelines.
Like his co-defendants, Vick may be able to get the benefit of a reduction in his sentence if he cooperates with the government and gives them any information that leads to other people involved in dogfighting. My previous post discusses the benefits of cooperating under the federal sentencing guidelines.
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Vick's sentencing will not occur for another few months. Until then, his lawyers may try to negotiate with the Atlanta Falcons, the NFL and the state prosecutors. It will be interesting to see how the state prosecutors deal with this case. Vick could be facing more prison time on animal cruelty charges if Virginia pursues this case aggressively.
