Montgomery County District Judge Sets 17 Conditions on Adrian Peterson

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Jan 30, 2015

According to Brian Murphy at the Pioneer Press, District Judge Kelly Case outlined 17 conditions for Adrian Peterson in order for him to expunge his conviction from his criminal record, to be completed in two years.

The plea bargain that Adrian Peterson, lawyer Rusty Hardin and prosecutor District Attorney Brett Ligon agreed to allowed Adrian to plea down to a misdemeanor reckless assault charge on a deferred adjudication—Peterson is not considered having been convicted of this crime unless he doesn’t meet the conditions set forth by Judge Case in the allotted time.

Those 17 conditions include:

  • 80 hours of community service (40 of which can be served with a public service announcement on child discipline)
  • $4000 fine
  • Assessments to determine the need for parenting classes
  • Allowance of random visits by community supervision officers
  • Submission to police searches without warrant
  • Avoid injurious or vicious habits
  • Commit no offense against the laws of Texas or any other state
  • Support his dependents (of which there are reportedly many)
  • No consumption of illicit or controlled substances
    • Drug tests that he must pay for
    • Counseling with regards to drug use
    • If Peterson shows a pattern of dependence, steps will be taken to determine appropriateness of rehabilitation
  • Avoiding persons of “disreputable” or “harmful” character
  • Work faithfully at suitable employment

I’m unclear as to whether or not the tests and the counseling are one of the 17 conditions or merely clarification on the condition regarding illicit substances. The story seems to point out that the judge and prosecution are particularly worried about Adrian Peterson’s drug use.

This probation is distinct from the NFL Player’s Association’s legal battle with the NFL, which among other things is arguing that the NFL cannot mandate counseling on a player as a form of discipline, as it was not outlined in the CBA.

Given the nature of the conditions he has under Judge Case, it may be likely that Peterson must pursue counseling anyway. That’s irrelevant though, as the NFLPA is hoping to establish precedent, not necessarily win the case outright for Peterson.

In general, the NFLPA will argue in front of Judge Doty (who has ruled in a number of labor disputes with the NFL) that the NFL stepped outside the bounds of the collectively bargained agreement when handing out punishment.

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