Alex Karev has made up his mind — The “Grey’s Anatomy” doctor is going to serve time in jail rather than risk having Jo’s abusive ex track her down after taking the stand in the on-going assault case between he and DeLuca.

While he was originally expected to serve two years in exchange for his guilty plea, a preview for the ABC medical drama obtained by People suggests he may be going away for longer than expected. In a clip for Season 13, episode 11, Meredith (Ellen Pompeo) is seen learning of her longtime friend’s sentencing. She shouts, “30 years to life?!” in disbelief, leading “Grey’s Anatomy” fans to believe that all is not right with Alex’s (Justin Chambers) plea deal. It’s not clear if he’ll actually be forced to serve that time or will be spared.

“Grey’s Anatomy” fans learned that Alex had opted to accept the deal during the winter premiere. Although he was not featured in the episode, the bombshell was dropped on Jo (Camilla Luddington) at the end of the episode. After spending all day at a local women’s prison helping to deliver the child of a volatile pregnant inmate, Bailey (Chanda Wilson) opened up to Jo about Alex. She revealed that Jo’s former beau intended to accept a plea deal that will force him to do hard time, which leaves Jo sick to her stomach.

Alex made the decision, against Meredith’s wishes, during Season 13, episode 9 of “Grey’s Anatomy.” He did so after speaking with Jo about his trial. Out of fear that she’d be forced to do so on the stand, Jo revealed to Alex that she’s been using another name and was married throughout the entirety of their relationship. She shared with him that she was in an abusive relationship, which she fled, and is afraid that testifying will blow her cover. She warns him that she may skip town after the trial to avoid being found by her estranged husband. Alex was shocked, but not angry. Instead, he was hurt that he had put her in this position.

He told Meredith what he planned to do. She was angry and advised him to think about it. When the episode came to a close, Alex was seen sitting in what appeared to be a government building. He was approached by a woman, possibly a lawyer, but said nothing. It wasn’t clear at that time what he planned to do.

Learn more about Alex’s fate by tuning in to “Grey’s Anatomy” on ABC at 8 p.m. EST on Thursday.

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