Egolf pleads guilty, gets 2 years probation

[tornado]

I don't fully understand it either - but when the charges are not severe, and the accused has a pretty decent record - the courts have a deal they can make that benefits BOTH SIDES..
The accused can plead guilty and fulfill supervision terms (usually also checking in with the court to prove he's keeping his part of the deal) - and then the charges are simply put on the back-burner and not placed on permanent record..
If he fulfills his end then the charges are NOT entered and no longer will be pursued. If he fouls up and does NOT comply - then the state already has the guilty plea and everything they need to just enter the conviction and apprehend the guy...no additional costs or proceedings.

What the state gets in return is the chance to see a reasonably good citizen show he's changed and become a better citizen and NOT a repeat offender - plus the state avoids the HUGE burden and cost of prosecuting the case or going to trial which can backfire anyway as many defendants get tricky lawyers and get off anyway and right back on the street.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deferred_prosecution

[Interested Observer]

If a background check is run, the arrest will still be on the record, which may have to be explained. The result of the arrest may not show up if he completes all terms of the plea deal.

[Gary the Gargoyle]

If a background check is run, the arrest will still be on the record, which may have to be explained. The result of the arrest may not show up if he completes all terms of the plea deal.

Yes. That's right.

[Bravesfan]

I don't fully understand it either - but when the charges are not severe, and the accused has a pretty decent record - the courts have a deal they can make that benefits BOTH SIDES..
The accused can plead guilty and fulfill supervision terms (usually also checking in with the court to prove he's keeping his part of the deal) - and then the charges are simply put on the back-burner and not placed on permanent record..
If he fulfills his end then the charges are NOT entered and no longer will be pursued. If he fouls up and does NOT comply - then the state already has the guilty plea and everything they need to just enter the conviction and apprehend the guy...no additional costs or proceedings.

What the state gets in return is the chance to see a reasonably good citizen show he's changed and become a better citizen and NOT a repeat offender - plus the state avoids the HUGE burden and cost of prosecuting the case or going to trial which can backfire anyway as many defendants get tricky lawyers and get off anyway and right back on the street.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deferred_prosecution

Great explanation tornado. Let's hope Will chalks this up a lesson well learned, and that he gets all the help that he needs. He's a good person, so this was a fair deal in my opinion.

[JMM28]

If a background check is run, the arrest will still be on the record, which may have to be explained. The result of the arrest may not show up if he completes all terms of the plea deal.

True. Or the employer could google "will Egolf" and probably find the multiple articles about his arrest.

[Bravesfan]

True. Or the employer could google "will Egolf" and probably find the multiple articles about his arrest.

Many employers will probably have heard of him anyway. That could make things problematic in the short term, but a lot of people are forgiving and would give him a chance as well.

[egib52]

In reading the article, it sounds like he got what's referred to as 1st offenders probation. If so, I can tell to as a prosecutor he actually will have a conviction for two years. After two years if he completes everything the conviction comes off. He then can move to seal a few years after. The legislature put this in for similar situations. I have had several people use this successfully, but their criminal history shows a conviction until the 2 years are done.