Deal Lets Ravens' Ray Rice Avoid Trial for Knocking Out Wife

Assault charges against Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice for allegedly knocking out his then-girlfriend could be dismissed if he successfully completes a New Jersey pretrial intervention program.

The state's pre-trial intervention program focuses on rehabilitation to prevent future criminal behavior rather than taking first-time offenders to trial. It is designed for New Jersey residents, but anyone may apply, according to New Jersey Courts. Its successful completion reportedly expunges the charges from the person’s record.

Earlier this month, Rice pleaded not guilty to aggravated assault charges for allegedly punching and knocking out his then-girlfriend, Janay Palmer, in an Atlantic City casino elevator, WJZ TV reports.

The case stemmed from a Feb. 15 incident in which Rice was seen dragging Palmer, who was his fiancee at the time, at a casino. He and Palmer were married the day after Rice was indicted on a third-degree aggravated assault charge in March. They live with their young daughter in Reisterstown and are undergoing marriage counseling.

TMZ first published the video of Rice dragging the seemingly unconscious Palmer out of a Revel Casino Hotel elevator. Police say the two hit each other, but Rice’s blow reportedly knocked Palmer out. Charges against Palmer were dropped.

Palmer reportedly wrote a letter to the court supporting Rice’s pretrial intervention application, according to the Ravens website.

Regardless of the court action, ESPN reported Rice would still likely face punishment from the NFL, like a fine or suspension, for violating its personal conduct policy. 

Related:

• Ray Rice Pleads Not Guilty, Deal Pending

• Day After Ray Rice Indicted on Assault Charge, He Weds Fiancée
• Baltimore Ravens Running Back Ray Rice Faces New Criminal Charge
• Ray Rice Arrested in Atlantic City