A former White House lawyer is all set to face trial for attempted murder and aggravated assault after plea negotiations broke down on Thursday.

John Michael Farren, a former deputy counsel to George W. Bush from 2007 to 2009 and a former general counsel at Xerox Corp. had failed to reach a plea agreement with the prosecutors though an agreement could still be reached, Farren's lawyer Gene Riccio said.

Farren's wife, Mary, who held a counsel position at BigLaw Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom, had reported to police that Farren had attacked her following dispute over a pending divorce. He had tried to strangle her and had assaulted her with a flashlight which made her land up in a hospital.

The attack landed Farren in jail for nearly 6 months, following which he was treated at Institute for Living in Hartford for nearly a month. Subsequently, Farren moved to his sister's home in West Hartford. As part of his release agreement, Farren has to wear a GPS bracelet and is not allowed to come in contact with his wife or their two children.

However, he may leave the home to visit a doctor or attorney or other experts in preparation of his case, for court appearances, to attend religious services or to visit a law library in Hartford, Riccio said.

The jury selection date has not yet been set by Stamford Superior Court Judge Richard Comerford.

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