Marvin Dupree pleads no contest in Clayton County simple battery case

In a recent court session, Marvin Lester Dupree entered a no contest plea regarding charges of Simple Battery and Family Violence. The hearing took place in Clayton County, Georgia, where Dupree was represented by attorney Kim. The court accepted Dupree's plea, which resulted in the dismissal of one charge while the other remains under probationary terms.

The incident leading to Dupree's charges occurred in February 2022, when police responded to a domestic dispute involving the victim, Wanda Keaton. According to the police report, Dupree allegedly pulled Keaton's hair in a manner deemed provocative and insulting. The court noted that Dupree and Keaton were not living together at the time of the incident, and there was no evidence to suggest they were in a domestic partnership.

As part of the plea agreement, Dupree will serve 12 months of probation, pay a $300 fine, complete 40 hours of community service, and attend anger management classes. Additionally, he is prohibited from having any contact with Keaton during this period.

Dupree's attorney requested leniency regarding the fine, citing the ten days Dupree spent in jail following a bench warrant issued in June. However, the state declined to waive the fine, as it was part of the negotiated plea agreement. Following discussions, Dupree opted to proceed with a non-negotiated plea, indicating a willingness to accept the court's terms without further negotiation.

This case highlights the ongoing efforts within the judicial system to address domestic violence while balancing the rights of the accused and the safety of victims. The court's decision aims to provide a structured path for rehabilitation and accountability for Dupree.