Travis County magistrate explains rights, grants personal bonds with conditions for several arrestees

A Travis County magistrate advised a group of arrested individuals of their constitutional rights, outlined the four ways to obtain release from custody and set bond conditions for several cases at an initial-appearance session.

The magistrate opened by explaining the right to remain silent and to consult counsel, saying, “You don't have to make any statements about your case,” and described the option to request a court‑appointed attorney if a defendant cannot afford private counsel. The magistrate also described a defendant's right to request an examining trial (a preliminary hearing to challenge probable cause) and warned noncitizens that a criminal conviction can affect immigration status.

The magistrate described four ways to obtain release: qualify for a personal bond (release without paying the bond amount), pay the full bond amount in cash, use a bail bondsman or use a privately retained lawyer to seek release. The magistrate noted that local bail bond companies “tend to charge around 10% of the bond amount” and gave the 10% example of a $5,000 bond requiring about $500 in fees.

During the session the magistrate announced outcomes for each person called. Jessica Hernandez, charged with a Class A misdemeanor assault causing bodily injury to a family or household member, was granted a personal bond with a condition prohibiting threatening contact with the alleged victim. Titus Collier, charged with a Class B misdemeanor for leaving the scene of an accident involving property damage, was released on a personal bond and ordered to report to a supervision officer while the case is pending. Ryan Collins, charged with a Class A misdemeanor theft, was granted a personal bond with a condition to stay away from the property at 4221 FM 620. Carlos Garza, charged with tampering with evidence (third‑degree felony), was granted a personal bond and required to report to a supervision officer. Juman Sadler, charged with possession of a controlled substance (state‑jail felony), was denied a personal bond because of an active warrant out of Georgia for failure to appear; his bond was set at $3,000 and the magistrate noted a bail‑bond company could post bond for about 10% if they agreed to do so.

The magistrate repeatedly warned all arrestees that failure to appear for court dates would lead to rearrest and that paperwork listing court dates must be kept. For those released on personal bond the magistrate emphasized the requirement to appear at all future court dates and, in some cases, to contact a named supervision officer within 24 hours of release.

Votes at a glance: the magistrate granted personal bonds (release) in the following cases with the listed conditions where applicable — Jessica Hernandez (personal bond; no threatening contact with alleged victim), Titus Collier (personal bond; report to supervision officer), Ryan Collins (personal bond; stay away from 4221 FM 620), Carlos Garza (personal bond; report to supervision officer). Juman Sadler was denied a personal bond due to an out‑of‑state warrant; bond set at $3,000.

The session also reiterated administrative options for defendants who do not qualify for a personal bond: pay the bond in full, retain a bondsman or attorney, or seek a court‑appointed lawyer to advocate for bond. The magistrate closed individual interviews by asking each defendant whether they wanted a court‑appointed attorney or intended to hire counsel.

Court staff will prepare release paperwork and notify defendants of their first court dates, usually within a few weeks. The magistrate reminded noncitizens of the right to request that an embassy be notified, if desired.