Aldon Smith of San Francisco 49ers pleads no contest to DUI
USA Today reports Aldon Smith, a San Francisco 49ers linebacker, pleaded no contest on Wednesday of this week to three felony weapons charges and two misdemeanor counts of driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI).
The plea was made in a Santa Clara County Superior Courtroom in San Jose. Aldon Smith could be sentenced to a maximum of four years and four months in prison, although the judge may decide to give him no time in jail. Decisions are made at the judges discretion. The hearing to decide the sentence will be held in late July, after the San Francisco team has already started training for the new football season.
According to Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen, Aldon Smith has accepted responsibility for his actions and pled to all of the charges which were filed against him.
Forty-niners offer statement about Aldon Smith
According to General Manager Trent Baalke, spokesman for the team, the forty-niners are aware of the case, which they have been monitoring closely over the past several months. They also noted they were glad to have this case brought to a close. The lawyer for Aldon Smith was also clear in his statement that his client "has never wavered from his commitment to do the right thing in this case." Smith's lawyer, Joshua M. Bentley, also noted that Smith accepts responsibility and is ready to hear the sentence from the court, adding he feels confident the court will come to an appropriate sentence.Aldon Smith arrested in November
Aldon Smith was arrested in June 2012 when deputies arrived at his home to investigate a complaint about a party in Smiths home. The arrest came after Smith allegedly fired a handgun in the air and was stabbed. Two other people were also stabbed and injured at the party. Smith was also charged with three felony counts of illegal possession of an assault weapon, in which he pled not guilty. Although Smith had legally purchased the rifles in Arizona, he did not have the legal right to possess them in California.Charged with DUI in September
Aldon Smith was charged with DUI in September after he drove under the influence of alcohol and drove his car into a tree in San Jose. According to reports, Smiths blood alcohol concentration level was twice the legal limit of 0.08%. In addition to the charges listed above, Aldon Smith also had another incident at an airport last month where he began screaming at security and allegedly made threats that he had a bomb. Authorities continue to investigate this most recent incident and will decide if charges should be filed against Smith. Smith needs to pull it together. He has been described as a fearsome pass-rusher, and by all accounts could have a good career in the NFL if he is able to conquer his demons. Admittedly he has a problem with drugs and alcohol which he tried to get treatment for last season.