'Woo' Harris has had his day in court
Posted: Thu Jul 23, 2009 7:05 pm
http://www.fresnobee.com/406/story/1553 ... ni_popular
Former Edison High football standout Cliff Harris pleaded no contest Wednesday in Fresno County Superior Court to a misdemeanor — obstructing a police officer in the line of duty — in connection with an on-campus scuffle with police in April.
Judge Kristi Culver Kapetan immediately sentenced Harris to a year of probation and fined him $300.
"I want to play ball," Harris said, explaining why he decided to plead no contest instead of fighting the charges
Attorney Timothy Cox, who represented Harris, said the case against his client was "winable" but Harris chose to plea no contest so he can resolve the case and head to college. Harris said he plans to arrive in Eugene on Aug. 9.
If Harris had pleaded not guilty, his trial would have been no earlier than Aug. 12.
Cox said if Harris stays out of trouble for a year, he can get the misdemeanor expunged from his record.
"Now it's up to you," Cox told Harris. "You have to study hard and not just play ball."
Former Edison High football standout Cliff Harris pleaded no contest Wednesday in Fresno County Superior Court to a misdemeanor — obstructing a police officer in the line of duty — in connection with an on-campus scuffle with police in April.
Judge Kristi Culver Kapetan immediately sentenced Harris to a year of probation and fined him $300.
"I want to play ball," Harris said, explaining why he decided to plead no contest instead of fighting the charges
Attorney Timothy Cox, who represented Harris, said the case against his client was "winable" but Harris chose to plea no contest so he can resolve the case and head to college. Harris said he plans to arrive in Eugene on Aug. 9.
If Harris had pleaded not guilty, his trial would have been no earlier than Aug. 12.
Cox said if Harris stays out of trouble for a year, he can get the misdemeanor expunged from his record.
"Now it's up to you," Cox told Harris. "You have to study hard and not just play ball."