Celebrity Justice
Garrison to Plead Guilty to Felonies

Posted May 21st 2007 12:37PM by TMZ Staff

GarrisonUPDATE: Just as TMZ told you earlier, Garrison's plea went down as planned. During the emotional court session, the actor faced the judge and muttered the words, "I am guilty."

Sentencing was originally set for August 1, but later moved after the family of the victim, Vahagn Setian, asked that it not be held on their departed son's birthday. It has since been changed to August 2.

TMZ has learned what Lane Garrison will do when he enters a courtroom in Beverly Hills this morning. He will plead guilty, guilty, guilty.

Garrison will plead guilty to one count of vehicular manslaughter, a felony. The "Prison Break" star will also plead guilty to one count of felony DUI with bodily injury. He'll also admit his blood alcohol level was over .15, which could increase the sentence by eight months. Garrison will plead guilty to one misdemeanor count of providing alcohol to a minor.

Based on the pleas, Garrison faces five years and eight months in prison.

Garrison's high-powered lawyer, Harland Braun, tells TMZ absolutely no sentencing deal has been struck. Braun says, "Lane fully expects to go to prison or jail," adding, "It's very unusual for anyone in our society to accept responsibility for anything."

Braun will ask Judge Eldon Fox to set the sentencing hearing 60 days from today.

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(Page 1 of 4) | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Most Recent | Next 15 Comments

1. TMZ your late. This is old news.

Posted at 11:30AM on May 21st 2007 by t-bag

2. Too bad. He made a mistake and now he has to pay. Hopefully other stars will learn from this and Hiltons life and it will keep them from going down the same road. No pun intended!

Posted at 11:32AM on May 21st 2007 by Bubba

3. truly,,sad,,sad,,sad,,but it really is a step in the right direction for a Hollywood kid to
own up to his guilt.. So sad for everyone involved. My prayers with all the families affected

Posted at 11:38AM on May 21st 2007 by my little bit

4. Giving him credit for taking responsibility. Sad thing that happened. Hopefully someone else can learn from his mistake.

Posted at 11:39AM on May 21st 2007 by beth

5. OUCHY!!! THATS A LIONG TIME........

Posted at 11:40AM on May 21st 2007 by costa mesa Ca.

6. I think that is impressive of him. In a world where the legal system has al sorts of avenues for him to fight this and minimize his punishment, he has chosen to simply admit his faults and accept his punishment. My brother was killed by a drunk driver and yet - I respect this mans actions of taking responsiblity for his horrible, horribale lack of judgement previously.

Such a sad situation - but at least he has the strength of character to hold himself accountable for the terrible chain events that lead to someones death.

Posted at 11:42AM on May 21st 2007 by Annaland

7. WILL HE ALSO PLEAD GUILTY TO HAVING COCAINE IN HIS SYSTEM AS HE TESTED POSITIVE FOR THE SUBSTANCE!!

Posted at 11:51AM on May 21st 2007 by Bobby Trendy

8. I really hope our no good hollywooders look up to him and take note.

Posted at 11:54AM on May 21st 2007 by Mr. Paris Hilton

9. I think he is doing the right thing by accepting responsibility for what he did. But for his lawyer to say: "It's very unusual for anyone in our society to accept responsibility for anything." That's absolutely rediculous. Many people do...it's just not on display for the public to see. This guy killed someone because he was really, really drunk and he should go to jail. Reminds me of the Chris Rock stand up bit...Everyone wants credit for shi* they are SUPPOSED TO DO!!!

Posted at 11:57AM on May 21st 2007 by Jim Ward

10. Give the man a medal and trophy because he accepts responsibility for killing someone due to his thoughtless actions. !
Give me a break!

Posted at 11:58AM on May 21st 2007 by Laura

11. Why does everyone blame Lane for the kid dying? The kid committed suicide, Lane didn't kill him. The kid had a choice, get in the car with Lane who was drunk, or not get in the car with Lane. The kid sealed his own fate when he got into the car.

If Lane had been responsible for the death of someone outside of his vehicle, then I could see how he would face charges for vehicular manslaughter, but this is just ridiculous. The kid made the choice to get in the car, nobody forced him.

Everyone wants to blame their problems on other people. Reminds me of the Brandy case. It was a car accident, these things happen, get over it.

Posted at 12:03PM on May 21st 2007 by Everyone Forgets

12. WELL GOOD FOR HIM FOR NOT BEING A CRY BABY ABOUT IT. HE DID SOMETHING WRONG & NOW HE IS GOING TO PAY JUST LIKE ANY OF US WOULD HAVE TO DO..AT LEAST HE'S NOT BLAMING IT ON SOMEONE ELSE!

Posted at 12:03PM on May 21st 2007 by Paris + Brit = SKANK!

13. I'll have to hand it to Lane Garrison, he's a good guy. He made a stupid mistake, and he is remoseful and sad about killing that kid. And he is taking responsibility for his actions.

Hollywood should be so lucky to have a person like that in their group. Paris is NOT remorseful, is NOT responsible and does NOT feel sad about anything except that her mommy and daddy can't buy her out of her sentence.

Ty Pennington is a good guy because he is truly sorry for drinking and driving. And Eve is sorry too - even getting a driver now when she goes out. SMART PEOPLE learn from their mistakes.

But Paris, Lindsey and Nicole Ritchie all continue to break the law and expect to get over on the system. They should not be hollywood celebrities and we should not support anything they put on TV or in the movies.

Posted at 12:04PM on May 21st 2007 by Scott H. in Kentucky

14. I couldn't have said it better Annaland. I used to work in Hollywood in the studios years ago when I was 20 something and made some stupid mistakes myself. I was lucky to arrive home safe and not hurt anyone on the way. His whole life changed in a second and kudos for him to step up to the plate. I feel so bad for him, the entire situation and the families involved. I wish him well and he's already a role model for the air head Hollywood parties who think the law doesn't apply to them. I just hope he's getting the help to deal with all this and will be safe inside jail.

Posted at 12:07PM on May 21st 2007 by Lainey

15. I know Lane feels horrible for what he did. That's why he wants to pay the price. He didn't murder anyone, but someone died because of his bad judgement. Lane is fully aware of the years he might spend in prison. Lane is a good guy!

Wish that bastard OJ was behind bars instead of Lane! That's for damn sure!!!!

Posted at 12:11PM on May 21st 2007 by Chris

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