Former University of Michigan football coach Sherrone Moore, who was fired almost immediately after he was arrested on charges that he broke into the home of his former lover and threatened to harm himself, has pleaded no contest to two misdemeanor charges. This was the result of a plea deal that avoided trial on felony-level charges.

The deal came as Moore and his defense attorney were challenging the validity of the warrant police used to arrest him. The warrant was based at least in part on text messages and phone calls between Moore and the woman, who was also a member of Moore’s staff, that the woman’s attorney characterized as abusive. Moore’s attorney had pointed out, however, that the Wolverines were preparing for a bowl game at the time, and that the communications could have been work-related. While prosecutors and the defense were preparing for an evidentiary hearing on the matter, this matter is now moot.

The Original Charges Against Moore

Moore had been charged with third-degree home invasion, breaking and entering, and stalking. In exchange for his no-contest plea, prosecutors agreed to reduce those charges to two misdemeanor counts. The new charges are malicious use of a telecommunications device involving a domestic relationship and trespassing. Those are punishable by up to six months and 30 days in jail, respectively.

As we previously discussed in this blog, Moore was arrested on Dec. 10. He allegedly entered the woman’s home, took butter knives, and threatened to harm himself. This incident came after the university fired Moore for having an inappropriate sexual relationship with a staffer. This came after the woman came forward herself to confirm the relationship had happened.

Possible Lawsuit Against University of Michigan

Though the criminal case appears to be over, the legal ramifications could continue. Michigan had previously investigated Moore over the affair, but didn’t take action until Dec. 10. Through her attorneys, the staffer said after the plea deal became public that, during their affair, she was the victim of Moore’s “manipulation, harassment, and exploitation,” and that Moore took advantage of his power as the head football coach and her boss to coerce her. She blames the university for allowing this affair to happen.

It appears that the woman is preparing a civil lawsuit against Michigan for allegedly failing to prevent sexual harassment. This would be an employment law issue, not a criminal one, though some of the facts involved would be the same.

What does ‘no Contest’ Mean?

A plea of no contest is technically different than a guilty plea, though the results are pretty much the same in criminal law. By pleading no contest, you aren’t admitting guilt, but you’re acknowledging that the prosecution has enough evidence to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The biggest difference is that, if you’re facing a possible lawsuit, pleading no contest and not admitting guilt can be helpful. But the criminal punishments you could face are unlikely to change whether you plead guilty or no contest.

Should I take the Plea Bargain?

When offered a plea deal, don’t decide what to do right away. Talk it over with your defense attorney. Prosecutors often offer a deal when there are weaknesses in their case and they would rather not take their chances at trial. On the other hand, the uncertainty of trial can go either way. You might be confident of getting a not-guilty verdict, but you can’t guarantee things will go your way.

Agreeing to plead no contest or guilty to lower charges could be the smarter choice. For example, Moore avoided a possible felony conviction, which could have meant prison time and a felony criminal record. How you should proceed depends on factors like the elements of the deal your defense attorney has negotiated and the needs of yourself and your family.