Judge Sánchez delivers Spanish-language advisement on rights, plea options and penalties

Judge Sánchez read a Spanish-language advisement to defendants at a court hearing, outlining their constitutional right to counsel, the plea options available and the potential penalties they face.

The judge told defendants, “Usted tiene el derecho constitucional de ser representado por un abogado,” and explained that if they cannot obtain counsel the court will appoint a public defender at no cost when a jail sentence is possible. She added that if the court later finds the defendant able to pay, the defendant may be required to reimburse attorney fees.

The advisement explained the three plea options the judge will ask for at the hearing: not guilty, guilty or "sin argumento" (no contest). Judge Sánchez said a no-contest plea carries the same legal sanctions as a guilty plea but does not constitute…