LAS VEGAS -- The husband of suspended judge Elizabeth Halverson has taken a plea deal to avoid trial in a frying pan attack that seriously injured his wife last month.

Edward Halverson, 49, entered an Alford plea Friday to a single felony charge of battery domestic violence resulting in substantial bodily harm. Under the Alford plea, a defendant acknowledges there is enough evidence for a conviction, but does not admit guilt.

Halverson was booked into police custody on Sept. 4 after the assault on his wife. According to the grand jury testimony from Elizabeth Halverson, she and her husband got into an argument, leading him to hit her on the head with an iron skillet three to four times.

Elizabeth Halverson was admitted to Sunrise Hospital, where she received surgery for her fractured skull. She remained hospitalized for three weeks while recovering from the injury.

Edward Halverson told judge that he had no recollection of striking his wife. As part of the plea deal, Edward Halverson could get three to 10 years in prison and prosecutors agreed to drop an attempted murder charge.

Elizabeth Halverson is currently suspended from the bench while she battles misconduct accusations. Her misconduct trial has been delayed since her attack.