Fooch's update - Trent Baalke released a statement:
#49ers GM Trent Baalke: "Bruce (Miller) knows what we expect of him as a member of this team and he has committed ...
— Eric Branch (@Eric_Branch) June 2, 2015
#49ers Trent Baalke (cont): "... to taking the necessary steps to grow from this experience."
— Eric Branch (@Eric_Branch) June 2, 2015
San Francisco 49ers fullback Bruce Miller has plead no contest to a disturbing the peace charge, according to NBC Bay Area reporter Damian Trujillo. Miller had previously plead not guilty to misdemeanor vandalism, but this change of plea is likely part of a plea bargain with the Santa Clara DA's office.
Miller was arrested in early March and charged with spousal battery. Two months later he was formally charged with misdemeanor vandalism and the DA's office released a synopsis of the alleged facts, posted down below.
Miller could have faced up to a year in jail on the vandalism charge, as well as fairly significant fines. The disturbing the peace charge includes a maximum of 90 days in jail, a fine of not more than $400, or some combination of the two. I highly doubt he goes to jail on this, and if he did, it would likely be for a few days, or time served following his arrest. The DA released this information and statement. I highly doubt he sees jail time if he completes the course and does not get in trouble before his sentencing.
#49ers Bruce Miller pleaded no contest to misdemeanor Disturbing the Peace. He must attend a 16-week domestic-violence counseling course …
— Eric Branch (@Eric_Branch) June 2, 2015
… #49ers Bruce Miller is barred from any contact with victim before his sentencing in about six months (after completion of DV course).
— Eric Branch (@Eric_Branch) June 2, 2015
Prosecutor Tyrone Wilson: "We are satisfied that Mr. Miller is taking steps to address his underlying anger issues." #49ers
— Eric Branch (@Eric_Branch) June 2, 2015
Prosecutor (cont.): "He will hear in his mandated class that domestic violence is unacceptable no matter what the degree or circumstance."
— Eric Branch (@Eric_Branch) June 2, 2015
A no contest plea is essentially the same as a guilty plea for purposes of criminal court. The big difference in California is that in misdemeanor cases, the plea cannot be used against you as an admission of guilt if a civil proceeding arises out of the conduct that led to the criminal proceedings. I don't expect a lawsuit to arise from this, but that is the difference.