Judge Boyd schedules early termination of probation for Bethany Hernandez, contingent on contacting complainant

Judge Stephanie Boyd told the court she would grant early termination of probation for Bethany Hernandez but set the effective date contingent on notifying the complainant.

At a compliance hearing in the 187th District Court, Hernandez told the court she had completed probation conditions, including outpatient treatment and negative drug tests except for one positive result earlier in the term. The probation office reported no other issues after that positive test and confirmed completion of required programming and payment of fines.

The State told the court it opposed early termination based on the nature of the underlying offense and because one complainant’s letter had been returned; probation reported it had attempted contact. Hernandez addressed the court and described steps taken during probation, including therapy and schooling. The judge said she wanted the complainant notified before finalizing early termination and asked probation to make that contact.

Judge Boyd set the date for granting early termination on Thursday, May 8, saying, "I'm gonna grant your early termination, but it is not gonna be granted until the complainant is contacted. ... I'll grant it for May 8. Congratulations." If the complainant does not respond, the judge noted probation believed the May 8 deadline still gave staff adequate time to notify the complainant.

The judge directed probation to complete required outreach before May 8; she clarified she would not finalize the termination until notification efforts were completed.