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San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aldon Smith had a court date on Friday, in what was described as a discovery hearing. The two sides in the case are in the process of accumulating the necessary evidence, with the Santa Clara DA's office likely still putting together its case. The two sides met before the judge on Friday, and according to ABC 7 reporter Nick Smith, the next court date is April 29.
#NEW: #49ers legal journey continues. Santa Clara Co. Assistant DA "both of #AldonSmith's cases have been put over to 4/29."
— Nick Smith (@nicksmithnews) April 11, 2014
#NEW: @SantaClaraDA re: @49ers #AldonSmith "this case is progressing just like any other."
— Nick Smith (@nicksmithnews) April 11, 2014
#ICYMI: @SantaClaraDA refuses to discuss possibility of "plea deal" for @49ers #AldonSmith re: charges of DUI & felony weapons.
— Nick Smith (@nicksmithnews) April 11, 2014
Initially, I was a little confused by that last tweet because one might read it as saying the DA was not going to discuss a plea deal with Aldon Smith. That would seem a little odd since the DA is still accumulating evidence. The DA has to consider the interests of the citizens of Santa Clara county, and such interests might call for a plea bargain. I tweeted Nick to get some clarification, and he sent this along:
@NinersNation @RedZone_Moss NO. DA says will not play this out in the media. "This case will be treated like every other case of its kind."
— Nick Smith (@nicksmithnews) April 12, 2014
@RedZone_Moss @NinersNation yes! @SantaClaraDA still collecting/reviewing evidence and speaking with Smith's attorney. Should know more 4/29
— Nick Smith (@nicksmithnews) April 12, 2014
A plea deal would seem to remain a possibility, and the DA was simply stating he would not discuss plea negotiations with the media. That's perfectly reasonable, although odds are good information will leak out. I remain convinced the two sides will come to a plea agreement. The gun charges are going to be tough to prove given the knowledge requirement. Socalisteph put together a solid rundown back in October of why this is the case.