Charges Against Weaver Lowered to Misdemeanors

Two of the charges levied against Stephan Weaver, one of allegedly involved in the murder of University of Maryland student, have been lowered. 

Weaver's original charge of first degree assault was lowered to second degree assault, reducing the charge from a felony to a misdemeanor.

Second degree assault carries a charge of ten years in jail and/or a $2500 fine. First degree assault carries a maximum sentence of 25 years in jail. 

The state also moved to lower the charge of armed robbery to theft of less than $1000, also lowering it from a felony to a misdemeanor. 

Weaver appeared in handcuffs before Judge Robert Heffron without his attorney, Robert Bonsib. A call to his office revealed that Bonsib was apparently spending the day in Ellicott City attending other business and had not been notified of Wednesday's court date. 

Bonsib confirmed via phone that the hearing could proceed without him, and the amended charges were announced. With no attorney to represent him, the judge made sure that Weaver understood the proceedings.

“I would like to be able to assure you with some certainty that this takes care of your matter for the time being, but I never know," Heffron said

He went on to explain that state prosecutors may have lowered the two charges to satisfy the 30 day time limit in which they are required to take action. Alternatively, prosecutors may have reduced the two charges to misdemeanors so they may be heard in district court rather than circuit court. Heffron said that for now, the real motivation remains a mystery.  

Bonsib on April 22.  A date for Weaver's bond review has not yet been established.