Defendant pleads guilty to aggravated assault; judge suspends six-year sentence to probation pending eligibility

Miguel Angel Rangatores pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated assault and the court accepted the plea, the transcript of a criminal docket hearing shows. The judge found Rangatores guilty on the count to which he pleaded and said the other counts were dismissed as part of the agreement. The judge pronounced a six-year sentence that "will be suspended to probation" if the defendant qualifies under Tennessee Code Annotated 40-35-313, and told Rangatores the conditions and consequences of probation and of failing to qualify. Why it matters: a plea that suspends an executed sentence to probation can allow a defendant to avoid immediate incarceration but leaves the sentence available for enforcement if probation is later revoked. The court also noted eligibility under TCA 40-35-313 could allow expunction at the successful completion of probation. Details: the transcript records the court asking about the defendant's understanding of trial rights and the consequences of pleading guilty. The judge told the defendant: "I find you guilty of count 1... the 6 years will be suspended to probation. If you qualify under 40 35 3 13, then this plea will be entered under that basis." The court explained that if the defendant has prior convictions that make him ineligible, the plea will become a permanent conviction. Discussion versus action: the defendant voluntarily entered the plea following the judge's on-the-record advisements. The court entered a sentence and a conditional suspension dependent on statutory eligibility; no additional hearings were recorded on eligibility in this excerpt. Procedural notes: the transcript references documents and certificate checks to determine eligibility under the statute before finalizing the formal entry under that provision.