Michael Bennett’s attorney says that his client will plead not guilty, if his felony case on a charge of injury to the elderly goes to trial.
According to Houston-based attorney Rusty Hardin, who is representing Bennett, there are only two possible outcomes in the case.
“The only two possible outcomes for this case is the DA’s office [saying] they don’t have a case and dismissing, or a trial — one or the other. If and whenever they ask for a plea, it will be not guilty.”
ESPN reports:
Bennett’s next court appearance in Harris County, Texas, is set for April 23, court documents show. Hardin does not expect a plea request on that date; the first setting is mostly an opportunity for Hardin and the district attorney’s office to exchange information.
Bennett posted $10,000 bond Monday after a grand jury indicted him over an incident at NRG Stadium following Super Bowl LI.
According to Hardin, no travel restrictions were put in place during the bond hearing Monday, meaning Bennett is free to travel — whether that be to Philadelphia for work or otherwise — so long as he makes his court appearances. As for the possibility of conflicts with the Eagles’ schedule, Hardin said they will request a different court date should such a situation arise to try to avoid any absences.
Bennett was a spectator at the game at NRG Stadium in Houston in February 2017 when he tried to get onto the field immediately afterward to see his brother, Martellus Bennett, a tight end for the Patriots at the time, officials said in a statement. Prosecutors allege he pushed through security personnel, including a 66-year-old disabled woman who had told him to use a different entrance to access the field.
The charge of injury to the elderly can be filed if a person intentionally or knowingly causes injury to a person 65 or older. It carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
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