A Michigan man whose 2-year-old daughter shot herself in the head with his revolver last week pleaded not guilty after becoming the first person charged under the state’s new law requiring safe storage of guns.
Michael Tolbert, 44, of Flint, was arraigned Monday on nine felony charges including single counts of first-degree child abuse and violation of Michigan’s gun storage law, said John Potbury, Genesee County’s deputy chief assistant prosecuting attorney.
Tolbert’s daughter remained hospitalized Wednesday in critical condition from the Feb. 14 shooting, Potbury said. The youngster shot herself the day after Michigan’s new safe storage gun law took effect.
He pled not guilty? Really?
That can be a claim, whether or not they’re disputing the basic facts, that the situation doesn’t match the specific crime the defendant is accused of.
If he plead guilty he’d be accepting a felony charge and would have to give up his guns. He’s probably holding out for a plea that lets him keep them.
Pretty shitty parent/person prioritizing his guns over the safety of his two-year old.
Well, I mean, the kid is already injured but they don’t have his guns yet!! /S /S /S
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Someone correct me if I’m wrong, but I think defendants almost always start by pleading not guilty, then later accept a plea bargain.