Judge Boyd sentences Jose Amador to concurrent 3-year terms after no-contest pleas; restitution hearing set

Judge Stephanie Boyd sentenced Jose Amador to concurrent three-year prison terms after accepting no-contest pleas on multiple counts that included aggravated assault and evading, and the court found sufficient evidence to find guilt on the counts presented.

The court imposed concurrent three-year terms in each count, with a $2,000 fine, and made an affirmative deadly-weapon finding in at least one count. The court also indicated the cases taken into consideration and said the sentences would run concurrently with related causes. During the hearing, the victim, Ines Leal, addressed the court by video and described painful, long-term injuries and surgeries (she said she had "six screws and two rods" placed and is awaiting further procedures). Leal asked the court to hold the defendant accountable and to order restitution.

Judge Boyd told Amador that because he entered plea agreements, he waived certain appellate rights and warned that, as a felony conviction, he cannot possess weapons or ammunition. The court also indicated it would set a restitution hearing and directed parties to provide documentation; the judge named the school bus driver and the 21 students as potential claimants and set a restitution process for follow-up.

The court explained that certain plea paperwork needed correction on counts that were waived earlier in the proceeding and confirmed the final disposition on the record before imposing sentence. Amador was credited for any time served.