Defendant pleads in two state-jail felony cases; court follows plea and orders concurrent terms

The 187th District Court accepted no-contest pleas from Luis Rivera in two state-jail felony cases—one for theft of a person and another for burglary of a building—and followed the parties’ negotiated agreement. The judge found the state’s exhibits sufficient to support convictions and sentenced Rivera to two years in a state-jail facility, with the cases to run concurrently and a $2,000 fine.

Counsel confirmed that discovery had been provided and that Rivera had reviewed plea and waiver paperwork. The plea agreement included a recommendation for placement in a therapeutic community and counseling referrals; the judge advised Rivera to undergo treatment upon release and warned that the waiver of appeal limited appellate rights to previously filed and ruled-upon motions.

The state indicated it would consider a therapeutic community placement and asked the court to follow the agreement. Defense counsel noted Rivera’s statements about substance dependence and urged the court to accept the negotiated disposition. Following the court’s acceptance of the plea and the stipulated exhibits, Rivera was advised about the consequences of felony convictions, including the prohibition on possessing weapons.

Probation recommendations and program referrals were recorded in the transcript; the court also advised Rivera to pursue treatment and vocational or educational programs that could reduce recidivism after release from custody.