Plaxico Burress, the 32 year old ex-New York Giant wide receiver who caught the winning touchdown pass in Super Bowl 42, pled guilty on August 20th to attempted weapons possession and will serve two years in prison. Burress, who will be sentenced on September 22nd, took the plea to avoid a mandatory 3 1/2 year sentence if he was convicted of NY illegal weapons possession arising out of his arrest last November when he accidentally shot himself in the leg with an unlicensed Glock automatic pistol.
Prior to the plea deal, Mr. Burress testified before a grand jury, during which he admitted to possessing and firing the pistol. In most cases, defendants are advised to not testify before a grand jury, as it provides the prosecutor with an opportunity to obtain damaging admissions prior to trial.
After his sentencing on September 22nd, Mr. Burress will reportedly be sent to Downstate Correctional Facility in Fishkill, a maximum security prison, to determine where he should be incarcerated. With good behavior, Burress can reduce his sentence by three and a half months.
If you or a loved one are charged with a criminal offense or traffic infraction, contact the Westchester County criminal defense lawyers at The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel online or toll free at (914) 428-7386 for a free consultation to discuss your legal rights and options.