In most cases, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell waits for the court of law to do its thing before he considers handing down discipline for players who find themselves in the middle of off-field issues.

Nick Fairley is doing his best to avoid some off-field sanctions, that much is sure. The defensive tackle for the Detroit Lions will plead not guilty to charges of drunken driving and attempting to elude police following a May 27 arrest near Mobile, Ala., when state police say he was traveling 100 mph in his Cadillac Escalade. Fairley was also cited for reckless driving, failure to provide proof of insurance and having an open container.

Fairley’s attorney told the Detroit Free Press that he expects a trial date to be set in the next 30-45 days. Sid Harrell also told the Free Press he doesn’t know if a plea bargain can be brokered in this case.

“I still haven’t talked to the troopers. I don’t know every fact,” Harrell said. “It’s still in an investigative stage.”

Fairley has other matters in court in Mobile. There will be a preliminary hearing on July 31 on his second-degree charge of marijuana possession. Fairley was arrested April 3 on that charge.

Lions running back Mikel Leshoure has been suspended for two games and fined two additional game checks after he was arrested twice this offseason on marijuana possession charges. So, if Fairley is convicted or if he pleads in these cases, he could easily be suspended as well.

Follow me on Twitter: @BradBiggs

Brad Biggs covers the Bears for the Chicago Tribune