Current:Home > MarketsMorgan Wallen sentenced after pleading guilty in Nashville chair -WealthEngine
Morgan Wallen sentenced after pleading guilty in Nashville chair
View
Date:2025-04-13 08:52:48
Morgan Wallen pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor counts of reckless endangerment, reduced from the three Class E felonies he was initially charged with, ending an eight-month process for the country crooner.
He will be held for seven days in a DUI education center. He will then be on supervised probation for two years.
Wallen, with a fresh haircut and clean shave, appeared alongside his attorney, Worrick Robinson, to accept the plea. It was the first time the singer made an in-person appearance in a courtroom for the charges. The hearing lasted 10 minutes.
When Judge Cynthia Chappell asked how Wallen pleaded, he replied: "Conditionally guilty."
More:Timeline of Morgan Wallen's rollercoaster career after his most recent arrest
Need a break?Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
Wallen was charged with three counts of reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon and one count of disorderly conduct, a misdemeanor, after he threw a chair from the roof of Chief's, a six-story honky-tonk on Broadway opened by Eric Church, in April.
As soon as Chappell entered her judgment, Wallen was swiftly ushered out of the courtroom, Robinson beside him and bodyguards flanking them. Wallen made no comments as he got into an elevator.
In a written statement issued after the proceedings, Robinson said Wallen's agreement, should his client adhere to all provisions, will "not result in a conviction." Wallen will also have to pay a $350 fine and court fees.
"Upon the successful completion of his probation, the charges will be eligible for dismissal and expungement," Robinson said. "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."
According to court records from April, it was minutes before 11 p.m. when police officers standing in front of Chief's bar saw a chair come flying down, crashing onto the street just three feet from two officers. Security footage from the bar showed Wallen throw an object over the roof, according to his arrest affidavit.
After his arrest, Wallen posted a $15,250 bond and was released the next morning.
Days later, Wallen took to social media to accept responsibility for the offense. "I didn't feel right publicly checking in until I made amends with some folks," he said in the post to X, formerly known as Twitter. "I've touched base with Nashville law enforcement, my family, and the good people at Chief’s. I'm not proud of my behavior, and I accept responsibility."
In a Tuesday hearing, Wallen's attorney told General Sessions Judge Jim Todd that the singer was waiving his right to a preliminary hearing and a grand jury presentment. The case was quickly rolled into circuit criminal court Wednesday and a hearing was promptly scheduled to accept his plea.
Records filed Wednesday showed details of the agreement and the lessening of charges to two counts of reckless endangerment without a deadly weapon.
The charges each carried a maximum sentence of up to 11 months and 29 days in jail and a $2,500 fine.
In November, Wallen was named Entertainer of the Year at the 58th Annual CMA Awards. Wallen was not in attendance, and the presenter, actor Jeff Bridges, accepted the award on his behalf.
Contributing: Evan Mealins, The Nashville Tennessean
Disclaimer: The copyright of this article belongs to the original author. Reposting this article is solely for the purpose of information dissemination and does not constitute any investment advice. If there is any infringement, please contact us immediately. We will make corrections or deletions as necessary. Thank you.
veryGood! (7)
Related
- Jamie Foxx reps say actor was hit in face by a glass at birthday dinner, needed stitches
- 2026 Honda Passport first look: Two-row Pilot SUV no more?
- Is population decline a problem to solve or just one to rethink? | The Excerpt
- When does Simone Biles compete next? Olympic gymnastics event finals on tap in Paris
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Triathlon
- Police investigate death threats against Paris Olympics opening ceremony director
- Kremlin acknowledges intelligence operatives among the Russians who were freed in swap
- French pharmacies are all the rage on TikTok. Here's what you should be buying.
- Newly elected West Virginia lawmaker arrested and accused of making terroristic threats
- The Most Instagram-Worthy Food & Cocktails in Las Vegas
Ranking
- The Best Stocking Stuffers Under $25
- Conn's HomePlus now closing all stores: See the full list of locations
- Lululemon's 'We Made Too Much' Section is on Fire Right Now: Score a $228 Jacket for $99 & More
- First two kickoff under NFL’s new rules are both returned to the 26
- NHL in ASL returns, delivering American Sign Language analysis for Deaf community at Winter Classic
- Video shows explosion at Florida laundromat that injured 4; witness reported smelling gas
- Authorities are investigating after a man died in police custody on Long Island
- Inside Robby Starbuck's anti-DEI war on Tractor Supply, John Deere and Harley-Davidson
Recommendation
Paula Abdul settles lawsuit with former 'So You Think You Can Dance' co
Ground cinnamon products added to FDA health alert, now 16 with elevated levels of lead
Utah’s near-total abortion ban to remain blocked until lower court assesses its constitutionality
Florida-bound passengers evacuated at Ohio airport after crew reports plane has mechanical issue
How to watch the 'Blue Bloods' Season 14 finale: Final episode premiere date, cast
Swimmer Tamara Potocka collapses after a women’s 200-meter individual medley race at the Olympics
Does the alphabet song your kids sing sound new to you? Here's how the change helps them
What is Brat Summer? Charli XCX’s Feral Summer Aesthetic Explained