James Pearce Jr. Enters Six-Month Pretrial Intervention to Resolve Felony Charges
James Pearce Jr. will enter a six-month pretrial intervention program to resolve felony charges stemming from a Feb. 7 incident involving WNBA player Rickea Jackson, attorneys said.
James Pearce Jr., the Atlanta Falcons edge rusher, has agreed to a six-month diversion program that his lawyers say will lead to dismissal of pending felony and misdemeanor charges if he completes it without violations. The decision, announced on the opening day of the NFL draft, follows charges filed in Miami-Dade County that arose from a Feb. 7 encounter with his ex-girlfriend, WNBA player Rickea Jackson. Pearce’s attorneys described the move as a step toward resolving the case and allowing him to refocus on his career and responsibilities with the Falcons.
Program Agreement and Legal Outcome
Pearce’s legal team said he will enter a six-month pretrial intervention, commonly known as a diversion program, under terms negotiated with prosecutors. Attorneys Jacob Nunez and Yale Sanford stated that after successful completion without violations, state prosecutors will dismiss all related felony and misdemeanor charges. The arrangement is intended to provide an alternative to traditional prosecution while requiring compliance with program conditions.
Charges Filed and Prosecutor Actions
Miami-Dade County prosecutors filed multiple charges against Pearce in mid-March, including aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing and eluding police, and resisting an officer with violence, according to court records. A separate misdemeanor charge of stalking was also lodged, while an additional count of aggravated battery of an officer was later dropped. The Florida State Attorney’s Office handled the filings and negotiated the diversion arrangement with defense counsel.
Police Account of Feb. 7 Incident
Police reports describe an interaction in which Jackson told officers she attempted to drive to a police station for help after a confrontation and that Pearce’s SUV struck the rear of her vehicle. Authorities allege Pearce initially refused a police command before driving away and that, during the attempted stop, his vehicle struck an officer’s knee as he sought to evade arrest. Those actions form the basis of the more serious charges in the court file.
Falcons’ Roster Status and Team Comments
The legal case has left Pearce’s status with the Atlanta Falcons uncertain as the club weighs roster and disciplinary considerations. Coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed earlier in April that Pearce was not at the team’s voluntary offseason program, and general manager Ian Cunningham later described the situation as “status quo,” indicating no immediate update. The Falcons have not publicly detailed any internal disciplinary measures tied to the diversion agreement.
Career Context and On-Field Performance
Pearce was the Falcons’ first-round pick at No. 26 in the 2025 NFL draft and led the team as a rookie with 10½ sacks, setting a franchise rookie record with 45 quarterback pressures. His breakout season made him one of the most closely watched defensive prospects on the roster heading into year two. The diversion agreement arrives as Pearce seeks to return to the field and replicate the production that earned him a starting role.
Reporting and Next Steps
Local outlet WSB-TV was among the first to report the diversion agreement, and defense counsel provided statements outlining Pearce’s intent to complete the program and rejoin the team. If Pearce complies with the program’s requirements, prosecutors have agreed to dismiss the pending charges at the conclusion of the six-month period. Court filings and program documents will determine the precise terms and any monitoring or reporting obligations required of Pearce.
The diversion plan is likely to be closely monitored by the Falcons, the league and legal observers as Pearce balances legal conditions with team obligations and public scrutiny.
