A 59-year-old man who reportedly exchanged gunfire with his brother back in January is facing serious charges and is considering a plea bargain, according to local news. The man has been charged with attempted murder as well as several other charges related to the incident in which a woman was apparently shot during a brief fire fight between the two brothers. Nevada authorities are reportedly offering the man a plea bargain, though he has currently pleaded not guilty to all charges.
According to the report filed by police, a domestic incident prompted a police response. They found the 59-year-old man with at least one gunshot wound to the face and an unidentified woman suffering upper torso gunshot wounds. Police tracked down and arrested the man’s 61-year-old brother and charged him with felon in possession of a firearm. The brother was sentenced to two years in prison.
The younger brother has pleaded not guilty to the attempted murder charge as well as arson and several other charges. The plea agreement he has been offered would see him sent to jail for 15 years. However, his defense attorney has argued for a 12-year maximum, citing the man’s age.
Plea negotiations are not uncommon with regard to murder and attempted murder charges. Prosecutors are entitled to offer the defendant a plea bargain to facilitate the judiciary process at their discretion. Nevada defense counsel can choose to continue to contest the allegations and/or explore the possibility of negotiating a plea bargain. In either case, the attorney will focus on providing guidance and assistance for the defendant in determining and pursuing the best course of action.
Source: theunion.com, “Attempted murder suspect considering plea offer“, Liz Kellar, Aug. 21, 2015