Giants’ Burress appears in court, bail set at $100,000

Published 2:23 pm Monday, December 1, 2008

NEW YORK — Plaxico Burress has appeared in court on weapons possession charges stemming from an accidental shooting at a Manhattan nightclub.

Manhattan Criminal Court Judge Felicia Mennin set bail at $100,000 and ordered Burress to return March 31.

Defense lawyer Benjamin Brafman argued for no bail, saying: “He has 35 million reasons to come back to court” — referring to his $35 million contract with the Giants.

Prosecutors also released a criminal complaint that provides a witness account from the club where the New York Giants wide receiver shot himself.

A witness heard a popping sound before Burress’ legs began to shake. It says the person saw a bloody pistol fall out of his pant leg and land on the floor.

If convicted, Burress could face 3 1/2 to 15 years in jail.