This is what really happened to Joseph Duggar in court in Florida

Counting On star Joseph Duggar was arrested in Arkansas in March for lewd and lascivious behavior involving molestation of a victim less than 12 years old and lewd and lascivious behavior conducted by a person 18 years or older. The charges stem from an alleged incident that took place in 2020 while the family was on vacation in Florida. The child was nine years old at the time. She came forward at the age of fourteen to reveal what Duggar allegedly did to her. Although he allegedly confessed to the accusations, he entered a not guilty plea once extradited to Florida. Now, many wonder if a plea deal is coming. Keep reading to find out all the details.

Counting On Star Joseph Duggar Pleads Not Guilty

Although Counting On alum Joseph Duggar reportedly confessed not once but twice to the child molestation charges against him, he pleaded not guilty once he faced the judge in Florida. Now, many wonder if Joseph will be offered a plea deal. Plus, even if prosecutors offer a plea, will he take it?

Fans weighed in on the predicament Duggar could be placed in if offered a plea deal. It has been determined that Florida has harsh laws when it comes to child molestation charges. One expert said, “If he’s convicted in Florida, these specific charges could result in a life in prison sentence and if a life sentence isn’t given, Florida law requires what’s called a ‘split sentence,’ which requires a minimum of 25 years in prison followed by lifetime probation.”

Fans were not really shocked when Joseph pleaded not guilty. In fact, many fans think he would rather go to trial and still maintain his innocence rather than admit he’s wrong and take full responsibility for his actions.

Will He Take A Plea Deal?

On social media, fans discussed the possibility of Joseph Duggar being offered a plea deal. Fans seem to believe he would be making a huge mistake not taking a deal if it’s offered. Here is what fans had to say about Joseph taking a plea deal:

• “Pleading guilty and taking full responsibility for his actions are two very different things.”
• “While it would probably reduce his time in jail (not that it should), I believe he wouldn’t take a deal. First, I don’t think he’d really take responsibility for his actions and second, he’s probably got enough arrogance to believe he’ll be found “not guilty” in a jury trial.”
• “Agreed. If Joe is anything like his brother and his father, he’ll deny, deny, deny and if/when convicted, he’ll file all the appeals he’s entitled to much to my chagrin.”
• “Plea deals aren’t a given. Especially with the high profile nature of the case, and, from the evidence available to the public (a full recorded confession), what seems to be a slam dunk prosecution, the DA might be very motivated for a trial.”

So far, a plea deal has not been offered to Joseph Duggar. He was released on a $600,000 bond in Florida and sent back home to Arkansas.

Joseph and Kendra Duggar will appear in court in Arkansas on April 29 for the child endangerment and false imprisonment charges they are both facing. The charges were filed after a home inspection revealed things not acceptable to officials. It is reportedly due to the locks found on the outside of bedroom doors, which would imply that they lock their children in their rooms.