The plea hearing for a Lawrence motel owner accused of stabbing his wife was pushed back for a third time on Friday.

Navinkumar Patel, 46, of Shawnee, was arrested in late June 2015. He faces one felony charge of attempted first-degree murder.

According to an arrest affidavit filed in Douglas County District Court, Patel stabbed his wife in the abdomen on June 24 at Lawrence’s Super 8 Motel, 515 McDonald Drive. Patel owns the motel. His wife was later released from the hospital.

A native of India, Patel requires a translator to understand the court proceedings.

Navinkumar Patel

Patel’s attorney, John Kerns, said he needs more time to work with both Patel and his interpreter, who has limited availability.

“We have received a plea offer, but I need additional time to review that,” he said.

Douglas County District Court Judge Robert Fairchild granted Kerns’ motion to reschedule, setting the new date for 4:30 p.m. March 3.