NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) – Country music star Morgan Wallen appeared in a Nashville courtroom Thursday to take a plea deal for throwing a chair from a Broadway rooftop bar earlier this year.
Wallen pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor reckless endangerment charges, rather than felony reckless endangerment.
A Nashville judge approved a suspended sentence of 11 months and 29 days, minus seven days' incarceration that will be served in a DUI education center. The remainder of the sentence will be served under supervised probation, Judge Cynthia Chappell ordered. The effective sentence is two years, per the judge.
Wallen was arrested in early April 2024 after throwing a chair off the roof of Eric Church's six-story bar, Chief's on Broadway. The chair hit the sidewalk near two Metro Nashville Police officers who were standing outside the bar on patrol.
The CMA Entertainer of the Year was charged with three felony reckless endangerment charges — two for the two Metro officers almost hit by the chair and one for the threat to the general public — as well as disorderly conduct, a misdemeanor.
Wallen's defense attorney, Worrick Robinson, previously said his client would waive his preliminary hearing, and the case would therefore be bound over to the Davidson County Grand Jury. But by Tuesday, Dec. 10, Robinson said he and the Davidson County District Attorney's Office were working toward a plea agreement.
The details of the plea were not fully known until Thursday when the singer appeared in Davidson County Criminal Court.
Wallen's plea is subject to judicial diversion, according to Chappell, which means charges may be expunged after successful completion of the sentence.
Wallen's defense attorney issued a statement after his court appearance, claiming his client has cooperated with the authorities to resolve the matter.
"Earlier today (12/12/24), Morgan Wallen appeared in Davidson County Circuit Court with Judge Cynthia Chappell presiding where he entered a conditional plea pursuant to Tennessee’s Diversion Statute that does not result in a conviction," Worrick Robinson IV, of Worrick Robinson Law, PLLC, said. "The plea agreement with the Office of the District Attorney requires Mr. Wallen to spend 7 days at a DUI Education Center, be on probation for 2 years — one year for each of the misdemeanor charges for reckless endangerment — pay a $350 fine and court fees. Upon the successful completion of his probation, the charges will be eligible for dismissal and expungement.
"Mr. Wallen has cooperated fully with authorities throughout these last eight months, directly communicating and apologizing to all involved. Mr. Wallen remains committed to making a positive impact through his music and foundation."