The Umansky Law Firm

Lisa Nowak, the former NASA astronaut accused of driving from Houston to Orlando to attack a romantic rival, pleaded guilty today to reduced charges. Nowak was sentenced to a year of probation after pleading guilty to third-degree felony
burglary and misdemeanor battery.

Nowak confronted the rival in the parking lot of Orlando International Airport in February 2007. Her perceived rival had started dating Nowak's former space shuttle pilot and love interest. Nowak allegedly attacked the victim with pepper spray after forcing herself into the woman's car. The victim was able to escape.

Law enforcement arrived a short time later and arrested Nowak. They found several items in the car leading investigators to believe Nowak planned to kidnap the woman, who believes she escaped death that night. She still suffers nightmares and other psychological problems three years after the attack.

Nowak's plea came after an appeals court ruled last year that items found in her car could be used as evidence in a trial that was scheduled for next month, but the police interview she gave after her arrest could not. The court alleges that investigators took advantage of Nowak who had not slept for more than a day. The prosecutor in the case asked for jail time and probation.

Nowak apologized in court, but was ordered to write a formal apology letter and not have contact with the victim or Nowak's ex-lover, who is now the victim's boyfriend.

If you have been charged with a crime in Orlando, Florida, or Orange County, Florida, please contact the experienced criminal defense attorneys at the Umansky Law Firm for an initial case consultation.