Magistrate judge explains rights, sets bonds and conditions for multiple arrestees in Travis County Court

A magistrate judge at Travis County Court explained defendants’ constitutional rights, outlined four ways to obtain pretrial release and set bond amounts or personal-bond decisions for multiple arrestees during a magistrate proceeding. The judge read charges, set bottom bond amounts for each case and imposed conditions ranging from ignition-interlock installation to electronic monitoring and no-contact orders.

The magistrate emphasized defendants’ rights at the start of the session, saying: “I’m not here to decide whether you’re innocent or guilty. I’m just here to explain your charges, your rights, and your options on how to get out of jail.” The judge outlined four release options: a personal bond (release without paying the bond amount based on a promise to appear), paying the full bond in cash, using a bail bondsman (typically charging about 10 percent), or hiring an attorney to advocate for release.

Why it matters: the judge’s rulings determine whether an arrestee can leave custody and under what conditions while cases proceed. Several defendants were granted personal bonds with specific conditions; others were denied personal bonds because of safety concerns, pending cases elsewhere, or statutory limits.

Key decisions and conditions

- Sofia Sharif: Charged with a third-degree driving-while-intoxicated felony. The judge set the bottom amount at $10,000 and granted a personal bond. Conditions include installing an ignition-interlock device within 30 days (the defendant may not drive until it is installed), alcohol-counseling screening and contacting Travis County Pretrial Services within three days to arrange follow-up.

- Thomas Stokes: Charged with a state-jail felony possession of a controlled substance. The judge set a $3,000 bottom amount and granted a personal bond. Condition: required drug-counseling screening and compliance with any classes or group meetings that screening prescribes.

- Ethan Montelongo: Named with two class A misdemeanor assault causing bodily injury to a family member charges. The judge set bottom amounts of $3,000 and $1,000 (total $4,000) and denied a personal bond because of safety concerns for the alleged victims. Conditions if released by bond include reporting to a mental-health supervision officer within 24 hours, evaluation by a mental-health professional and a requirement to take prescribed medications; failure to comply may result in rearrest.

- David McDonald: Charged with criminal trespass (class B misdemeanor). The judge set a $200 bottom bond, denied a personal bond because of repeated similar arrests and an outstanding theft case, and imposed a no-return restriction to the Target at 2025 Guadalupe Street.

- Jonathan Canada: Charged with third-degree felony manufacture/possession with intent to deliver (delivery). The judge set a $7,500 bond, denied a personal bond because of a pending similar case, and required reporting to a supervision officer within 24 hours if released.

- Daniel Barry: Charged with misdemeanor driving while intoxicated from El Paso County. The judge noted the El Paso County judge set the bond at $500, denied a Travis County personal bond because the bond was set by another county, and directed the defendant to contact El Paso County to confirm court dates if released.

- David Nazzworthy: Charged with burglary of a building (third-degree felony), engaging in organized criminal activity (third-degree felony) and a bond increase on a pending unauthorized-use-of-a-motor-vehicle case. The judge said total bonds now equal $46,000, denied a personal bond and required electronic monitoring (house arrest) if released; the monitoring agency will install an ankle device and the defendant must remain at home except with the agency’s permission. The judge also required reporting to a supervision officer within 24 hours of release.

- Edward Butler: Charged with first-degree aggravated assault with a deadly weapon (alleged knife) against a security officer. The judge set a $7,000 bond, said the law does not allow a personal bond for a case of this nature, and ordered the defendant not to return to Copper Hill Apartments at 10000 North Lamar.

- Zepeda: The judge noted defense counsel had resolved some issues but reminded the defendant that he must not contact the alleged victim by phone, email or in person and must remain 200 yards away from the alleged victim. The judge said the defendant had been advised of his rights.

Decisions vs. directions

The magistrate issued formal bond determinations (decisions) and imposed release conditions in each case. Directions to report to supervision officers or to contact Travis County Pretrial Services were given as requirements attached to release. Where the judge denied personal bonds, defendants were told they could pursue release by paying the full bond amount, using a bail bondsman (commonly about 10 percent), or having counsel seek reconsideration.

Other details from the proceeding

The magistrate repeatedly informed defendants of the right to counsel, the right to remain silent and that a probable-cause finding does not equal guilt. The judge stated the punishment ranges for several charges (for example, DWI punishments and state-jail felony ranges) and advised defendants to discuss defense options with counsel, including possible preliminary hearings or negotiating reduced charges.

The session closed with the judge reminding all defendants of the practical consequence of failing to appear: “If you don’t, you will be rearrested and it’d be a lot more difficult for you to get out of jail once you’re back here.”