In a case which garnered national attention, a former UFC champion has pleaded guilty to charges related to a hit-and-run accident in April of this year. On Tuesday, Jon “Bones” Jones pleaded guilty to a single felony charge of leaving the scene of a crash, which is a 4th degree felony under New Mexico state law.
Background of the Case
On April 26, 2015, Jones was allegedly driving a rented SUV in Albuquerque when he ran a red light. The Buick SUV struck another car which was being driven by a pregnant woman, who suffered a broken arm as a result of the crash. Jones fled the scene immediately, but returned shortly after to retrieve some cash he had left in the rental car.
More than a Misdemeanor
While fleeing the scene of an accident is always a serious charge, it is generally classified as a misdemeanor if no one is hurt. Since the woman hit by Jones’ car suffered a broken arm as a result, the charges were escalated to a felony charge for leaving the scene of an accident involving great bodily harm or death.
Jones Took a Plea Bargain
Since officers found identifying documents in the rental vehicle, along with some marijuana paraphernalia, the prosecution’s case got off to a strong start. For a felony conviction for the crime in question, Jones could have received up to 3 years in jail and a host of other fines.
However, Jones’ attorney was able to negotiate a plea bargain which netted Jones 18 months of supervised probation. He will be allowed to fight and travel for work, although the UFC has yet to lift his indefinite suspension.
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