During a brief court appearance on Monday, June 8, Hirsch reportedly talked about possible plea deal in his assault case before receiving an August 17 court date in Salt Lake City.
- Jun 9, 2015
AceShowbiz - Emile Hirsch was back in a Utah court on Monday, June 8 to settle a date for prosecutors to lay out the evidence that led them to charge the "Speed Racer" star with assault in a bar incident. The actor is also reportedly seeking a plea deal in the case.
Sporting black suit and beard, Hirsch arrived at the small mountain town court with his two attorneys. During the short court conference, State Judge Paige Petersen set an August 17 date for the case. At the upcoming hearing, prosecutors would be allowed to describe the evidence against the actor.
According to PEOPLE, Neil Kaplan, a lawyer for Hirsch, asked the judge for a preliminary hearing during the court appearance. The website also reported that Hirsch's legal team had been discussing a possible plea agreement with the state but so far they haven't reached any final decision.
"Mr. Hirsch's attorney mentioned in court, discussions are ongoing about a possible plea resolution," prosecuting attorney Ryan P.C. Stack told the news outlet. "A defendant charged with a class A misdemeanor or felony-level offense may request a preliminary hearing, which requires the State to present sufficient evidence showing probable cause that the charged offenses occurred and the defendant is the one who committed them."
The charge stemmed from an alleged incident occurring at the Tao nightclub during the Sundance Film Festival on January 25. In the incident, Hirsch reportedly put Paramount Pictures executive Dani Bernfeld in a chokehold and pulled her across the table and onto the floor. He was later hit with aggravated assault and intoxication charges.
