Judge advises defendant of rights, sets $750 bail in Travis County Court

Judge Kelly Evans told Mr. Tapscott at Travis County Court that he was accused of a class B misdemeanor theft, that his bail had been set at $750 and that he had requested a court‑appointed lawyer.

Evans said the advisement was “for your protection,” reminding Tapscott of his rights: “You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in court.” The judge explained the possible penalty for a class B misdemeanor — up to six months in county jail and a $2,000 fine — and described three ways a defendant can be released from custody: cash bond, surety (a bail bondsman) or release on a personal bond.

The judge outlined the cash bond option as payment of the full bail amount — in this case $750 — to the sheriff by cash, cashier’s check, or money order, and said that amount is returned at the end of the case. On surety bonds, Evans said a bail bondsman typically charges a fee, “usually 10% of the face amount of the bail set in a person's case.” For a personal bond, Evans said pretrial services may interview the defendant, ask about ties to the Austin‑Travis County area and request names of two or three references; pretrial staff then makes a recommendation to the judge about whether to approve a personal bond.

Evans verbally confirmed on the record that she would note Tapscott’s request for appointed counsel: “I am going to note on your paperwork that you are requesting a court appointed lawyer.” When asked if he had any questions, Tapscott said he did not. The judge concluded the advisement and directed return of the defendant’s property used for processing.

The proceeding recorded here was an advisement of rights and bonding options; there was no additional plea, sentencing or other disposition recorded in the transcript provided.