Judge Raquel West WARNS Defendant After Rejecting 7 Year Deal — Now Faces 25 to LIFE!!

[00:00:00]All right, sir, are you Robert Trahan?

[00:00:02]And Mr. Trahan's cases are set for trial to begin with jury selection next Monday. There's three cases. We've got 25 DCCR 1094 charged with unauthorized use of a vehicle, 25 DCCR 1317 possession of a controlled substance, and a 25 DCCR 1536 charged with evading arrest or detention with the use of a vehicle. And what is everyone's announcement?

[00:00:31]>> New personal settings. We're ready.

[00:00:33]Judges, I do have our special setting on on a bond case.

[00:00:39]So, I don't know how you want to handle that, but I was special set before this case was set.

[00:00:44]>> Is there a protection order or is just a setting? But is this they're on bond?

[00:00:49]>> Yes.

[00:00:49]>> In whose court?

[00:00:50]>> Townsend.

[00:00:51]>> Okay. Talk to him and we'll go from there.

[00:00:53]>> And I have pre-trial in that court tomorrow. So, if I whatever happens here, if I can know before tomorrow, I >> Okay. I'll get you the number today of your case. And so, it looks like the state Well, Mr. Coleman, which case would the state elect to proceed on? The evading judge.

[00:01:11]All right, so 1536 would be the numbered case. And it looks like the state has filed a notice of intent to introduce extraneous Is that just for punishment or is it any enhancement?

[00:01:25]>> Uh it's for punishment, judge. The indictment has already enhanced this case to 25 to 99. I'm going to check it.

[00:01:31]>> That's correct.

[00:01:32]>> And the state >> like the previous plea bargain rejection when we were here in March was for 7-year term. Is that correct?

[00:01:40]>> Yes, Judge.

[00:01:41]>> And so, Mr. Trahan, there's only a couple cases left set for trial, so it's very likely that yours will be close to the top of the list to go to trial next week. I want to make sure that's what you want to do, understanding that if you're found guilty and if those prior convictions are true, that you would be looking at a minimum of 25 years in prison up to 99 years or life.

[00:02:00]>> Excuse me.

[00:02:01]>> Okay. And it looks like the state has also filed a motion to cumulate, which means you've got three cases. They're all from different offense dates. And so if you're found guilty on one, then we could go to trial on the next one. If you're found guilty on that one, the state could ask that any sentence you get, if you're found guilty, be stacked on top of each other in all of these cases. Do you understand that as well?

[00:02:23]>> Excuse me.

[00:02:24]And not to get into the facts of the case, I am have no doubt Mr. Hickart has gone over the video with this defendant, but judge, it's captured on video. I can the >> And have have y'all have you looked at the video?

[00:02:35]>> Yeah, it's it's a misunderstanding.

[00:02:37]>> Okay. That I just want to make sure you've seen it, and you all discussed it, and so we will number the case. I'll number it as soon as docket's over, and we'll let you know so you know what to do about next week as well.

[00:02:45]>> Thank you, judge.

[00:02:45]>> All right, thank you. You can go back with the bailiff. All right, sir, you're Lavell Stratton?

[00:02:48]>> Yes, ma'am.

[00:02:49]>> And this is 19-33601.

[00:02:51]Mr. Stratton is charged with capital murder, and what's the announcement?

[00:02:56]>> Judge, uh we have gotten I think all of the media, but we're having a wrinkle with uh the some of the one of the police reports that's rather lengthy that Miss Molfino is trying to figure out why it's not transferring over from the old program.

[00:03:15]>> Okay.

[00:03:16]Other than that though, everything has been >> Other than that, I'm missing I'm missing about 20-30 pages of police report.

[00:03:22]Other than that, I think we're good.

[00:03:23]>> And what we're doing, judge, is somewhat equivalent to kind of reverse manual bait stamp, if that that makes any sense. But it's converting from workflow to Odyssey. And there was all kind of glitches, including the media.

[00:03:37]We have recreated that from originals at the police department, but maybe that some of it is merged into one another, but myself and an intern are going through it this time and just documenting every single page number so I can get that to Mr. Raburn, he can tell me which 20 he's missing because just I'm missing 20 out of the two red wells I had was difficult and I want him to of course have a room and I think we've probably exhausted all of our discussions regarding re-judgement added to the trial document.

[00:04:07]>> So is there any reason to believe that that those pages out of that police report would change the position?

[00:04:13]>> I I don't know but but I doubt it but I don't know.

[00:04:17]>> So here's what I want to do. I'm going to give one more reset for an announcement.

[00:04:22]>> Okay.

[00:04:22]>> If the case is going to trial I want to try it before the end of the year. So we're getting already halfway through the year so we need to start looking at some dates and what's available if possible before the end of the year.

[00:04:33]>> get a special setting judge. I have some out of state witnesses that >> Yeah, no. It's going to definitely be I think we'll because it's the nature of it and the we'll definitely make sure that when it's set it will be the case to go.

[00:04:46]We'll do a protection order if you need it and things like that. So we'll make sure everybody's available.

[00:04:51]If you have any other cases that are set that you know are going that are specially set kind of maybe send start an email with me you guys and we can start coming up with a date. Obviously if something happens before then and it's taken care of that's one thing but if we want to start looking for a date let's go ahead and start looking for that now.

[00:05:10]>> we can after we get the next reset we can have a pre-trial conference in in chambers and and get some dates.

[00:05:16]>> Yeah, I mean just just start an email.

[00:05:18]>> Okay.

[00:05:18]>> And we'll start it that way.

[00:05:20]>> Because I have so many family members I will reach out to them now and kind of take a look if obviously with the age of it and the witnesses etc. it's a lot of moving parts.

[00:05:29]>> It is a lot so that's why we need to get it set so that everybody can get everybody here and subpoenaed and we don't you know we can't It's going to be difficult for everybody to be completely available but if they know ahead of time and they're in their subpoena then >> they won't have choice. I'd rather do it that way.

[00:05:46]>> I do >> have a trip planned out of the country for Thanksgiving.

[00:05:49]>> You'll just uh make sure you have that um >> I'll send that to you.

[00:05:51]>> vacation letter in.

[00:05:52]>> offer.

[00:05:53]>> Okay. All right, so uh let's just do 30 days. That way you guys can please get the police report. If that changes anything, we'll know then. Otherwise, between now and then, let's start looking at other dates, but we'll we'll have one more announcement.

[00:06:05]>> Like we're trying.

[00:06:05]>> That would be an excuse.

[00:06:06]>> Yes.

[00:06:13]Good morning. Are you Darius Rigsby?

[00:06:14]>> Yes, ma'am.

[00:06:15]>> And will your client waive the formal reading of the indictment?

[00:06:17]>> your honor.

[00:06:18]>> Mr. Rigsby, in cause number 25 DCCR 1089, you're charged with a state jail felony offense of an unauthorized use of a vehicle from May 18th of 2025. And how do you plead to that charge?

[00:06:30]>> Guilty.

[00:06:30]>> Are you pleading guilty freely and voluntarily? And are you pleading guilty because you actually did what they charged you with?

[00:06:36]>> Yes, ma'am.

[00:06:37]>> I have here on the tablets of documents that have your signature on them that the state's marked as exhibit number one. Before you signed these, did you go over them with Mr. Parker?

[00:06:45]>> Yes, ma'am.

[00:06:46]>> Do you fully understand that?

[00:06:47]>> Yes, ma'am.

[00:06:48]>> And do you understand if I follow the agreement that you've made with the district attorney that you'll be waiving or giving up any right to appeal?

[00:06:55]>> Yes, ma'am.

[00:06:55]>> Do you also understand if you're not a US citizen that a plea of guilty or no contest may result in your deportation, exclusion from admission to the country, or denial of naturalization under federal law?

[00:07:06]>> Yes, ma'am.

[00:07:07]>> State tenders number one.

[00:07:08]>> No objection.

[00:07:08]>> It's admitted. Is there any evidence that Mr. Rigsby's not competent?

[00:07:11]>> No, your honor.

[00:07:12]>> All right, sir. I'm going to find that you entered your plea of guilty freely and voluntarily, find that you're mentally competent and you understand the nature and the consequences of your plea, find sufficient evidence to find you guilty and at this time find you guilty of an unauthorized use of a vehicle, sentence you in accordance with your agreement to a term of 12 months in the Jefferson County Jail under Section 12.4 of the Penal Code. You will receive credit on that sentence for any time that you've been in custody that the law gives you the right to receive. I'm handing you the trial court certification that shows this was an agreement that I followed, so you did waive your right to appeal. I also handed you a written admonishment regarding your ineligibility to possess a firearm or ammunition. Because of the judgment entered against you, you're ineligible under Texas law to possess a firearm or ammunition. Possession of a firearm or ammunition could lead to charges against you. If you have any questions about the laws that make you ineligible to possess a firearm or ammunition or about how long that lasts, you can talk with All right, thank you, sir. Can you go back with the bailiff?

[00:08:14]Good morning. Are you Andrew Howard?

[00:08:15]>> Yes, ma'am.

[00:08:16]>> And will your client waive the formal reading of the indictment?

[00:08:19]>> Yes, ma'am.

[00:08:20]>> Mr. Howard, in cause number 25 DCCR0742, your charge is a state jail felony offense of fraudulent use or possession of identifying information from April 18th of 2025. And how do you plead to that charge?

[00:08:34]>> Guilty.

[00:08:35]>> Are you pleading guilty freely and voluntarily?

[00:08:38]>> Yes, ma'am.

[00:08:38]>> And are you pleading guilty because you actually did what they charged you with?

[00:08:41]>> Yes, ma'am.

[00:08:42]>> I have here on the tablet some documents that have your signature on them that the state's marked as exhibit number one. Before you signed these, did you go over them with Mr. Parker?

[00:08:50]>> Yes, ma'am.

[00:08:51]>> Do you fully understand them?

[00:08:52]>> Yes, ma'am.

[00:08:53]>> And do you understand if I follow the agreement that you've made with the district attorney that you'll be waiving or giving up any right to appeal?

[00:09:00]>> Yes, ma'am.

[00:09:01]>> Do you also understand um if you're not a US citizen that a plea of guilty or no contest may result in your deportation, exclusion from admission to the country, or denial of naturalization under federal law?

[00:09:12]>> Yes, ma'am.

[00:09:13]>> State tenders number one.

[00:09:14]>> No objection.

[00:09:15]>> It's admitted. Is there any evidence that Mr. Howard's not competent?

[00:09:18]>> No evidence.

[00:09:19]>> All right, sir. I'm going to find that you entered your plea of guilty freely and voluntarily. Find that you're mentally competent and you understand the nature and the consequences of your plea.

[00:09:28]Find sufficient evidence to find you guilty, and at this time find you guilty of the state jail felony offense of fraudulent use or possession of identifying information. Sentence you in accordance with your agreement to a term of 18 months in the State Jail prison.

[00:09:41]You will receive credit on that sentence for any time that you've been in custody that the law gives you the right to receive. I will sign a dismissal as part of this agreement in cause number 25 DCCR 07 41 and this will also run concurrently with your federal case. Now, as long as >> think everybody since been sentenced over there and I think we're good with that.

[00:10:02]>> Okay, I just want to make sure you Well, I'm going to make sure I explain it to the federal system does whatever they want. So, I'm going to say that this runs concurrently with their case, but that's completely up to them. Okay, so I it sounds like it's going to be no problem, but if it's for some reason the federal system says it's not going to run concurrently and you have to do one before the other, there is absolutely nothing I can do about that other than what I say today and what the intention is, okay?

[00:10:28]>> Yes, ma'am.

[00:10:29]>> So, that case is 1 uh colon 25 CR 56 and as far as I'm concerned it will run at the same time, okay? I'm handing you the trial court certification that shows that this was an agreement that I followed and so you've waived your right to appeal. I also handed you a written admonishment regarding your ineligibility to possess a firearm or ammunition. Because of the judgment entered against you, you're ineligible under Texas law to possess a firearm or ammunition.

[00:10:58]Uh possession of a firearm or ammunition could lead to charges against you. If you have any questions about the laws that make you ineligible to possess a firearm or ammunition or about how long that lasts, you can talk with Mr. Parker. All right, good luck to you, sir.

[00:11:11]>> Thank you, ma'am.

[00:11:13]Mr. Lewis >> Is this the one, too?

[00:11:15]>> Uh I have no idea about this.

[00:11:17]Um Is this a misdemeanor?

[00:11:19]>> I don't know.

[00:11:21]>> Well, I mean, I'm not going to say it.

[00:11:22]Usually I would have let you know.

[00:11:24]>> I saw it whenever I get to the >> I don't know.

[00:11:27]>> I'll get it I'll get with the assistant prosecutor.

[00:11:29]>> Right now, email him and tell him >> Okay.

[00:11:32]>> part of our agreement was to dismiss any misdemeanor that came out of this transaction.

[00:11:36]>> So everything is cleared >> Yeah, they're good. All right, thank you, sir. Thank you.