Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
Linda Thomson - Deseret Morning News University of Utah quarterback Brett Ratliff pleaded guilty to charges of public intoxication and disorderly conduct in Salt Lake City Municipal Justice Court Thursday after a "plea in abeyance" was offered by the Salt Lake City Prosecutor's Office.
Such a plea allows the charges to be dismissed if an individual pleads guilty and then complies with court-ordered requirements for a set period of time. The city frequently offers pleas in abeyance in less serious cases.
Ratliff pleaded guilty to a class C misdemeanor count of public intoxication and another charge of disorderly conduct, an infraction.
Under the plea agreement accepted by Salt Lake City Municipal Judge L. G. Cutler, Ratliff will be on probation for six months, pay $150 in court costs and perform 20 hours of community service.
Class C misdemeanors can be punished by up to 90 days in jail and a fine. Infractions carry no jail time, but a judge can impose a $750 fine.
Ron Yengich, Ratliff's lawyer, said outside the courtroom that Ratliff was guilty of drinking too much and "being annoying" to people around him on Nov. 12, 2006. "He had far too much to drink. He feels bad about it."
Ratliff also spoke briefly: "I apologize for the disturbances I caused. I take responsibility for my actions." He said the situation had been tough to get over, and "it was hard for the team and the coaches, but everyone stuck together."
Salt Lake City Prosecutor Sim Gill said he was pleased with the outcome of the case and termed it "a fair resolution."
Ratliff had been investigated for possible sexual battery, but Gill said a review of the evidence and interviews with people present that evening showed Ratliff's behavior was "more the conduct of being publicly intoxicated" than anything else so other charges were not filed.
