Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. agreed Thursday to enter a pretrial intervention program, allowing him to avoid trial on several felony and misdemeanor charges, according to Marc Raimondi of ESPN.
The legal decision comes in response to charges including felony aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing police, and resisting arrest. Pearce Jr. also faced a misdemeanor stalking charge. By entering this program, the Falcons defender sidesteps a formal trial, provided he fulfills the requirements set forth by the court system.
Under the terms of such programs, defendants typically must complete specific mandates to have their charges potentially dismissed. James Pearce Jr., a key piece of the Falcons' defensive front, has been under legal scrutiny following the incidents leading to these charges. The Atlanta Falcons have not yet commented on how this legal resolution will affect his status with the team moving forward, per Adam Schefter.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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