Defendant pleads guilty to state jail felony; judge sentences him to 38 days and $800 fine

The court accepted a guilty plea and sentenced the defendant in a county felony case involving possession of a controlled substance.

Counsel and the defendant confirmed they had reviewed the true bill of indictment and court admonishments. The defendant waived the reading of the indictment, stipulated to the state's exhibits, and pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled substance (penalty group 1, less than one gram). The court found the plea knowing and voluntary and accepted the stipulations and evidence presented by the state.

The judge assessed punishment at 38 days in the county jail, imposed an $800 fine, ordered credit for time served, directed that the jail time run concurrent with other time, and issued a no-contact order prohibiting contact with the named victim. The court also recited the collateral consequences of a felony plea, including loss of firearm rights and immigration consequences for noncitizens, and reminded the defendant of the limited grounds to appeal when a plea waiver is signed.

After imposing sentence the judge admonished the defendant on future choices, telling him on the record that he would need to "start making better choices" and encouraging him to seek help for substance use if needed. Defense counsel said they had reviewed the plea pages and asked the court to follow the plea agreement; the court entered judgment in accordance with the plea and sentencing statements on the record.

Next steps: paperwork and judgment entries will be completed by the clerk and the defendant will be credited for any time already served.