Court proceeds on lesser-included offense in child-injury case; sentencing scheduled

The court took up a matter where the state elected a lesser-included offense: injury to a child by omission (paragraph b). The state explained that, after consultation with its expert, Dr. Kasun, the medical evidence supported proceeding on the lesser-included offense rather than serious bodily injury. "In our pretrials with doctor Kasun... she gave us the opinion that the injuries... were not life threatening," the prosecutor said while describing the basis for the state's election. The defendant waived reading of the indictment and the court accepted the stipulations and exhibits under seal for the record.

Counsel discussed whether to proceed with immediate sentencing or to set a short period for additional filings; the parties and the court agreed to return within two to three weeks or on the week of August 3 for sentencing. The judge advised the defendant of the sentencing range for the offense and confirmed that, if the court accepted a plea recommendation, an affirmative finding of family violence and limits on weapon possession and custodial status would apply. Probation and counsel were instructed to ensure all necessary documents, including translations and discovery, were on file for the next hearing.