Morgan Wallen pleads guilty to misdemeanors, sentenced to probation and DUI education

Morgan Wallen pleads guilty to reckless endangerment charges and receives probation and DUI education sentence.


Pop Culture & Art December 13, 2024
Image: Wire Image

Country star Morgan Wallen has pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor charges of reckless endangerment stemming from an April incident at Eric Church's bar, Chief’s, in Nashville. 

During the altercation, Wallen reportedly threw a chair off the sixth-floor balcony, leading to initial felony charges.

In a Nashville courtroom on Thursday, December 12, Wallen appeared before Judge Cynthia Chappell, marking his first in-person attendance in the case. Dressed formally in a gray blazer and black pants, Wallen entered guilty pleas to the reduced misdemeanor charges, which had originally included three Class E felony counts of reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon and a misdemeanor for disorderly conduct.

The court sentenced Wallen to two years of probation—one year for each misdemeanor—and seven days in a DUI education center. Additionally, Wallen must pay $350 in fines and court fees. His attorney, Worrick Robinson, stated that Wallen’s plea agreement under Tennessee’s Diversion Statute means the charges could be dismissed and expunged upon successful completion of his probation.

Wallen expressed his commitment to improving through a statement released after the hearing, saying, “Mr. Wallen has cooperated fully with authorities... and remains committed to making a positive impact through his music and foundation.”

The court date follows Wallen’s significant win as Entertainer of the Year at the CMA Awards three weeks earlier, highlighting the juxtaposition of his professional success and ongoing legal challenges. Fans and critics alike will be watching to see how the country star navigates this pivotal chapter in his career.

 

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