Joel Espinosa Pleads Guilty to Aggravated Assault; Court Orders $70,349 Restitution and Deferred Probation

Joel Espinosa pleaded guilty in Jefferson County District Court to aggravated assault with a deadly weapon (a motor vehicle) and was placed on deferred or unadjudicated probation for up to 10 years, the court record shows. As part of the plea agreement, the court ordered restitution to the victim in the amount of $70,349.

The courtroom record shows the indictment alleged the offense occurred on Nov. 28, 2021, in Jefferson County. The judge explained the punishment range for a second‑degree felony—two to 10 years’ imprisonment and a fine up to $10,000—and accepted a plea under which Espinosa will not be adjudicated guilty so long as he complies with probation conditions prepared by the probation officer.

State’s Exhibit 1 (plea paperwork) was admitted without objection. The court confirmed that Espinosa is mentally competent, that he signed the plea documents voluntarily and that he understood he was waiving rights to a jury trial and to confront witnesses. The court placed Espinosa on deferred probation for 10 years and explained that, under court practice, compliance could allow the term to be shortened to one‑third of that period.

The judge and counsel discussed restitution mechanics in open court. Espinosa’s attorney proposed a starting payment of $1,000 per month, which the court acknowledged would take roughly 70 months to satisfy the full amount at that rate; the judge said quicker payment could support an early termination recommendation. The court also warned Espinosa that a felony plea can affect immigration status: “A plea of guilty to a felony offense can affect your ability to gain citizenship in The United States,” the judge said, and noted that deportation consequences are determined by federal authorities.

The court directed Espinosa to see the probation officer to finalize conditions and payment arrangements and concluded the matter for present purposes.