Judge revokes probation for James Collins due to repeated violations in Bexar County

The morning docket of the 187th District Court in Bexar County, Texas, on April 14, 2025, featured significant discussions regarding the probation status of defendant James Michael Collins. The court session, presided over by Judge Stephanie Boyd, focused on multiple violations of probation conditions.

The proceedings began with Collins admitting to violations of condition number 18, which led to a discussion about the potential for an 8-year prison sentence. Collins confirmed his understanding of the implications of pleading true to the violation, indicating he still wished to proceed with this plea.

The court then addressed a second violation, condition number 15, related to Collins' failure to attend and verify participation in Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous meetings for January 2025. After confirming his plea of true to this violation, the court sought to establish the next steps. The prosecution requested a series of conditions for Collins, including participation in a Substance Abuse Detention Center (SADC) program, aftercare, and regular drug testing.

Collins' defense attorney presented his case, allowing Collins to address the court directly. Collins explained his absence from sober support meetings, citing personal hardships, including being robbed and experiencing homelessness. He expressed the challenges of maintaining compliance with probation requirements while caring for his young children.

Judge Boyd responded critically to Collins' explanations, emphasizing the importance of accountability and questioning his commitment to his responsibilities as a parent. The judge noted that Collins' history of offenses occurred while he had a 5-year-old child, raising concerns about his priorities.

Ultimately, Judge Boyd expressed doubt about Collins' suitability for probation, indicating that she would revoke his probation status. The prosecution requested an 8-year sentence, which the judge considered appropriate given Collins' lack of motivation to address his issues.

The court concluded with a decision to revoke probation for each cause number, underscoring the seriousness of Collins' violations and the need for a more stringent response to his repeated failures to comply with court orders. The session highlighted the ongoing challenges within the probation system and the complexities of balancing rehabilitation with accountability.