Dharun Ravi, the 2010 High School North graduate and former Rutgers student facing 15 charges including invasion of privacy and bias intimidation, has decided to stand trial beginning in mid-February in Middlesex County. On Friday, December 9, Ravi rejected a plea bargain that would have averted any jail time, offering probation, counseling on cyberbullying, and 600 hours of community service instead.
Ravi’s attorney, Steven Altman, maintained his client’s innocence as the chief reason the plea was not accepted. “Simple principle of law, simple principle of life. He’s innocent, he’s not guilty. That’s why he rejected the plea,” Altman said.
One new detail that has emerged could have implications for Ravi’s future: Ravi, 19, is not a U.S. citizen; he was born in India and is in the U.S. legally, in possession of a green card. If convicted Ravi could face deportation, and part of the plea deal would have included assistance for any immigration or deportation consequences. Immigration authorities view guilty pleas the same as convictions.
