49ers linebacker Aldon Smith has not avoided jail time. But he has gotten the closest thing possible to no jail time.
According to Tracy Kaplan of the San Jose Mercury News, a judge has sentenced 49ers linebacker Aldon Smith to 12 days in jail on gun and DUI charges. He gets credit for one day served, and he’ll serve the remaining 11 by participating in a work crew on Mondays, starting July 28.
It means that he’ll typically miss one day of work each week until the 11 days are served, exposing Smith to a fine from the 49ers. The bigger consequence as it relates to Smith’s job comes from the decision to reduce the three weapons charges from felonies to misdemeanors. That gives the outcome far less sting, from a legal standpoint.
He’ll also serve 235 hours of community service and pay a $2,000 fine. Smith will be placed on three years of probation, during which time he can’t own a weapon or ammunition.
The NFL will now review the case for discipline under the personal-conduct policy. Given his history of off-field issues, a suspension is probable. The reduction of the felonies to misdemeanors could help minimize or even eliminate the suspension.