Judge finds probation violations true for James Lofton; sentencing reset and updated PSI ordered

In a motion to revoke probation hearing the presiding judge found the allegations against James Lofton true, revoked probation and reset the matter for sentencing after ordering an updated pre-sentence investigation (PSI). Lofton admitted the allegations during the hearing; when asked, he answered “True” to the count alleging driving while intoxicated on Dec. 15, 2023. The court identified a second violation as failure to pay court-assessed fees, noting the arrearage at $5,946 as of Dec. 20, 2023, and Lofton admitted that as true as well. The judge stated, “I’m going to find that you entered those pleas true of true freely and voluntarily, find sufficient evidence to revoke your probation, but I’m going to reset your case for sentencing and have the probation department do an updated pre sentence report.” The court directed defense counsel and probation to pursue an updated PSI and scheduled a follow-up sentencing setting after the misdemeanor matter down the hall was resolved. Why it matters: A revocation finding can lead to incarceration or other court-imposed sanctions. The judge ordered an updated PSI to give the court more information on what sanction would be appropriate at sentencing, and noted the possibility of intermediate sanctions such as a short jail term or ISF (inmate substance facility) participation depending on the updated report and coordination with misdemeanor court outcomes. The court noted practical scheduling: the judge arranged the next hearing for a Tuesday in late August to accommodate the defendant’s anticipated custody status and to allow probation to complete the update. The judge also instructed Lofton to stay in touch with his probation officer and defense counsel.