Actor Emile Hirsch wants plea deal in Sundance assault case

LOS ANGELES — Emile Hirsch is seeking a plea deal in his assault case following an altercation at the Sundance Film Festival.

Hirsch appeared back in a Utah court Monday as attorneys settled on a preliminary hearing date for prosecution to lay out evidence for aggravated charges filed against him in February. The hearing will take place on August 17, according to the Associated Press.

The “Into the Wild” star is accused of assaulting Paramount studio executive Daniele Bernfeld on January 25 at Tao Nightclub in Park City.

According to court documents, an intoxicated Hirsch approached Bernfeld at about 3:15 a.m. and grabbed her. He allegedly put her in a chokehold shortly after, during a separate encounter, and pulled her across a table and onto the floor. He landed on top of her and wrapped his hands around her neck.

Hirsch arrived in court on Monday with two attorneys, and declined to comment outside court.

If the attorneys reach a plea agreement, they can present it at the August 17 hearing, or they can request an earlier court hearing, according to State Judge Paige Petersen.

Hirsch’s lawyer previously said that Hirsch drank too much alcohol and therefore does not remember what happened. Hirsch also checked into a rehab facility following the charges.

In the case of conviction, the felony assault charge is punishable by up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.