LIHU‘E — Nicole Danielle Gonsalves accepted a plea deal Thursday that reduced an attempted murder charge to felony assault. Gonsalves, 26, of Koloa, remains in custody since her June 14 arrest on $100,000 bail. Her crime took place on June
LIHU‘E — Nicole Danielle Gonsalves accepted a plea deal Thursday that reduced an attempted murder charge to felony assault.
Gonsalves, 26, of Koloa, remains in custody since her June 14 arrest on $100,000 bail. Her crime took place on June 14, when she arrived at the Lawa‘i home of her boyfriend, Robert Ballard, and the presence of another woman allegedly compelled her to inflict serious injuries to both victims.
Represented by attorney Rosa Villongco Flores, Gonsalves stood before Fifth Circuit Court Chief Judge Randal Valenciano and pleaded guilty to three charges of the original seven-count indictment.
Gonsalves plead guilty to count four — first-degree assault, a Class B felony, for injuries inflicted upon Ballard, including a stab wound to the leg. The charge was amended from second-degree attempted murder and has a possible sentence of 10 years and a $25,000 fine.
She plead guilty to count two — third-degree assault against Erin Hansen. The misdemeanor charge could bring a one-year maximum sentence.
Gonsalves also plead guilty to count seven — attempted unauthorized control of a vehicle. The Class C felony has a possible term of five years.
The remaining charges of first-degree burglary, first-degree terroristic threat, second-degree assault and first-degree unauthorized entry were dismissed in the plea deal.
County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Lisa Arin represented the state in court. She said the plea guidelines issue no mandatory minimum sentence and require the state to agree not to motion for an extension of the sentence.
The sentencing recommendations also require Gonsalves to attend an anger management program, take a drug and alcohol assessment and pay restitution to the victims.
Valenciano noted that the court could impose extended sentencing to the charges that could collectively add up to 31 years in prison, if the court does not concur with the plea recommendation. Gonsalves will appear in court again on Jan. 19 before Judge Valenciano for sentencing.
• Tom LaVenture, staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 224) or by emailing tlaventure@ thegardenisland.com.
