The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are still attempting to decide whether to re-sign safety Jermaine Phillips. But before any team can sign Phillips, his fate might have to be determined in court.

Phillips, 30, was arrested on the morning of Jan. 10 and charged with domestic battery by strangulation, which is a third-degree felony. The alleged victim was Phillips' wife, who confronted Phillips over a number that appeared on his cell phone.

While the case is ongoing, Phillips received some favorable news last week when prosecutors reduced the original third-degree felony charge against him to a misdemeanor battery charge, according to the Tampa Tribune. He is scheduled to be arraigned on April 19.

Phillips' 2009 season ended after he sustained a season-ending thumb injury in Week 2 vs. Buffalo. Since joining the Bucs in 2002 as a fifth-round pick, Phillips has totaled 546 tackles, 34 passes defensed, 11 interceptions and three sacks.