Defendant enters no-contest plea; court defers finding of guilt and outlines probation plan

A defendant in 2026 CR0000436 entered a no-contest plea to possession of a controlled substance (penalty group two, 1–4 grams) and the court deferred a finding of guilt under an application for deferred adjudication.

Defense counsel Melissa Christian confirmed she had reviewed discovery and plea paperwork with the defendant. The defendant responded on the record, entering a “no contest” plea when the court asked how he pled. The state told the court it had presented exhibits and attachments; the judge said she had reviewed them and found sufficient evidence to support a deferred adjudication finding.

Under the agreement the state requested that the defendant be placed on deferred adjudication with a $1,000 fine to be probated and six years of community supervision. The court recorded recommended conditions the state had proposed and added specific orders: community supervision for a stated term, a TAP evaluation, 100–200 hours of community service/restitution with up to 100 hours satisfied by parenting classes, regular random UAs, proof of employment within 45 days, no employment involving minors or home health care, monthly field visits and sober-support meetings once per week (each meeting reduced one hour from community-service restitution). The court also ordered no possession of weapons and warned that revocation could expose the defendant to the underlying punishment range the plea waives.

The court accepted the stipulation of testimony and exhibits into evidence and deferred adjudication consistent with the plea form. The court advised probation and defense to facilitate referrals for trauma and substance-use supports and to provide the required documentation to probation services. The hearing concluded with the judge reminding the defendant to remain in contact with probation and counsel.