Emile Hirsch Seeks Plea Deal In Assault Case

Emile Hirsch returned to Salt Lake City, Utah, Monday to face assault charges stemming from a February altercation at the Sundance Film Festival, and to begin negotiations for a plea deal.

Emile Hirsch Seeks Plea Deal

During Monday’s court appearance, Hirsch’s attorney Neil Kaplan requested a preliminary hearing in the hopes of negotiating a plea deal for his client.

“Mr. Hirsch’s attorney mentioned in court, discussions are ongoing about a possible plea resolution,” prosecuting attorney Ryan P.C. Stack told People magazine. “A defendant charged with a class A misdemeanor or felony-level offense may request a preliminary hearing, which requires the State to present sufficient evidence showing probable cause that the charged offenses occurred and the defendant is the one who committed them.”

Back in February at the Sundance Film Festival, Hirsh attended a party at Tao Nightclub, where Paramount executive Dani Bernfeld was also in attendance. It’s alleged that Hirsch approached Bernfeld, asking her why she looked “so tough,” and calling her “a rich kid” who was out of place at the indie film festival. Hirsch then allegedly put Bernfeld in a chokehold, pulled her over a table and onto the floor, where he continued to choke her before he was pulled off of her.

Hirsch has been charged with aggravated assault and intoxication as a result of the alleged incident. The Into the Wild actor faces up to five years in jail and a $5,000 fine on the assault charge, and 90 days in jail and a $750 fine for the intoxication charge.

Hirsch, who sought treatment for alcoholism following the incident, is due back in court Aug. 17.