State charges against Vick still possible

By Charles Edwards

Atlanta, GA – The Atlanta Falcons' Michael Vick signed a plea agreement filed today in federal court that says he conspired to moving dogs across state lines for the purpose of dog fighting.

A judge will make plans to sentence Vick.

But what does the star quarterback's plea in federal court mean for possible state charges in Virginia?

The answer to that question lies in the hands of Virginia prosecutor Gerald Poindexter.

Dog fighting is a felony in Virginia punishable by up to five years behind bars. Vick could face a 40 year sentence if found guilty of abusing 8 dogs. A spokesman for Poindexter says the prosecutor has yet to make up his mind.

If Vick does face state charges, criminal defense attorney Page Pate says the quarterback's federal plea would hurt instead of help.

PATE: In fact, he's now agreed to a summary of facts that could put him in a very difficult position if the commonwealth of Virginia wanted to charge him.

Among other things, the summary of facts attached to the federal plea says Vick and his former co-defendants had their dogs practice brawling against each other to prepare for dog fights.