Judge removes GPS monitoring for defendant after 14 months with no violations

The morning docket of the 187th District Court on May 29, 2025, presided over by Judge Stephanie Boyd, addressed several significant matters, including the removal of GPS monitoring for a defendant and updates on immigration-related issues for another case.

The session began with discussions surrounding a defendant who had been under GPS monitoring since November 2023. The court noted that the defendant had not violated any conditions during this period, which lasted nearly 14 months. The state objected to the removal of GPS, citing concerns related to the complainant. However, Judge Boyd emphasized that the lack of violations made it difficult to justify continued monitoring. She pointed out that the case had been pending since 2024 without movement towards an indictment, which contributed to the defendant's and complainant's uncertainty. Ultimately, the judge decided to remove the GPS monitoring, allowing the defendant to continue complying with probation conditions without the added restriction.

Following this, the court addressed the case of Alex Avila, who is currently dealing with immigration issues. His attorney informed the court that they were reviewing newly provided discovery materials, which included flash drives containing evidence. Judge Boyd acknowledged the potential consequences of a guilty plea, including deportation, and expressed a desire to give the 18-year-old defendant more time to consider his options. The judge set a final plea deadline for July 31, 2025, allowing Avila additional time to internalize the implications of his choices.

The meeting concluded with a brief exchange among court personnel, indicating a collaborative atmosphere as they worked through the docket. Overall, the session highlighted the court's focus on ensuring fair treatment for defendants while balancing the concerns of the state and victims involved in ongoing cases.