Sex Offender Walked Into Court Like Nothing Happened — Judge Boyd SLAPS MAximum Prison

[00:00:00]He is remorseful about what took place.

[00:00:02]He has behaved himself in >> the time to do right is before you get in trouble. It's a second degree felony.

[00:00:09]Range of punishment is anywhere from 2 to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

[00:00:14]>> Welcome to the Court of Justice.

[00:00:17]>> Court is calling 2022 CR 9121B, State of Texas versus Ruan Kuranza. Could I have parties announced for the record for the state? Exact for the state. for the defense.

[00:00:28]>> Melissa Christian >> and are you Mr. Kuransza?

[00:00:31]>> All right. Off the record for a moment.

[00:00:33]Norma, on that case, just put them here when when he's going to be here.

[00:00:39]>> All right.

[00:00:41]And that's Angelini, >> right?

[00:00:45]>> Yes.

[00:00:47]And let Angelini know.

[00:00:49]>> All right. Thank you. We're back on the record. Council, have you received all the discovery in this case? And did you review it with your client? I did. Judge >> Court will find that the state is in compliance with discovery. Are there any applications in this case?

[00:01:02]>> There are none.

[00:01:04]>> Mr. Coranza, I'm showing you what's entitled True Bill of Indictment. Did you review that with your attorney? Did you understand it?

[00:01:10]>> Council, do you wave the reading of the indictment?

[00:01:12]>> We do. Judge >> state, are you proceeding on the indictment as presented?

[00:01:15]>> Yeah, I >> miss Coranza, I'm showing you what's entitled court admonishments and defendants waiverss and affidavit of admonitions. Did you review that document with your attorney? Did you understand it? Did you sign it in all the appropriate places?

[00:01:27]Did you understand you're charged with the offense of a seconddegree felony?

[00:01:30]Range of punishment is anywhere from 2 to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. If you have a plea with the state, the court does not have to follow your plea. If for any reason the court does not follow your plea and gives you more than you bargain for, the fact that you entered a plea will not be used against you and you will be allowed to withdraw your plea. Did you understand? Did you understand?

[00:01:49]Understand you have a right to jury trial, a right for you or your attorney to cross-examine and confront any witnesses the state would call in the right to remain silent. Did you understand by entering this plea bargain agreement you were giving up those rights? Did you intend to give up those rights and enter into a plea in this case? You're going to need to speak up.

[00:02:08]Did you intend to give up those rights and enter into a plea in this case?

[00:02:12]Council, has your client been able to provide you with any defenses?

[00:02:15]>> He has, your honor. Do you believe he has a rational as well as a factual understanding of the charges against him?

[00:02:20]>> I do believe.

[00:02:21]>> Do you believe he's currently competent and was legally sane at the time of the offense?

[00:02:24]>> Yes, your honor. I believe that.

[00:02:26]>> Mr. Coranza, has anyone threatened you, coerced you, or placed you in fear to get you to enter this plea? No.

[00:02:30]>> Anyone promised you anything other than the plea? Are you satisfied with the way you've been represented?

[00:02:35]>> Yes.

[00:02:36]>> Are you a US citizen? Court will find that defendant has knowingly and voluntarily waved his right to jury trial. Showing you the plea bargain page. Did you review that with your attorney? Did you understand it?

[00:02:46]>> Yes.

[00:02:46]>> According to the plea, punishment is to be assessed at 6 years in the prison.

[00:02:50]There are no applications, chapter 62 registration, and no contact with the complainant. Did you understand that to be the plea?

[00:02:57]>> Yes, ma'am.

[00:02:57]>> Defense?

[00:02:58]>> Yes.

[00:02:59]>> State?

[00:02:59]>> Yes, your honor.

[00:03:01]>> Showing you the wave of appeal paragraph. Did you review that paragraph with your attorney? Did you understand it? Did you sign it in both places? Did you understand by signing that you're waving your right to appeal? The only items that can be appealed are written pre-trial motions that have been filed, heard, and ruled upon by the court. Did you understand?

[00:03:17]>> Yes, >> council. Have there been any such motions?

[00:03:19]>> We've filed a bunch of motions, judge, but we didn't have any rulings or hearings on those.

[00:03:23]>> Okay. Uh then to the offense is charged.

[00:03:25]How do you plead? Guilty, not guilty, or no contest?

[00:03:28]>> State any evidence?

[00:03:29]>> Yes, your honor. State offer states one and attachments.

[00:03:32]>> We have no objections.

[00:03:33]>> Sean, you entitled wavering consent to stipulation of testimony and stipulations. Did you review that document with your attorney? Did you understand it? Did you sign it in all the appropriate places? Again, did you understand you have a right to jury trial, a right for you or your attorney to cross-examine and confront any witnesses the state would call in the right to remain silent?

[00:03:52]>> Did you understand that today the state will be presenting evidence in the form of witnesses statements and police reports, but most importantly, there will be no live testimony. Did you understand?

[00:04:01]>> Yes. Court will find that defendant has no involuntarily waved and consented to stipulation of testimony and stipulations. Court will accept into evidence states exhibits one in attachments and review the same. After reviewing states exhibits one and attachments, the court will find there's sufficient evidence to find you guilty.

[00:04:17]The court will find you guilty. Are you proceeding with sentencing?

[00:04:20]>> We would like to judge.

[00:04:23]>> All right. Anything you wish to say on behalf of your client?

[00:04:26]>> Uh judge, what I would say on behalf of Mr. Coranza is he's taken this very seriously. His family has been here every single time. Uh we have gone thoroughly through the evidence. We got a DNA expert. Uh he is remorseful about what took place. He has behaved himself in jail. He's gotten his GED. He's gotten a a life skills class certificate. Um he is sorry that this took place and he's asking the court to follow the plea bargain.

[00:04:55]>> All right. State, have you had contact with the complainant?

[00:04:57]>> We have, your >> And is the complainant aware of this offer? They they are your honor and I believe potentially uh they'd like to give victim impact as well but of course we need to take that up post sentence for the court's witness.

[00:05:10]>> All right.

[00:05:14]>> Yes.

[00:05:15]>> Uh the complainant is um currently they they're in school so uh they won't be able to but >> All right. And are they in agreement with this offer?

[00:05:25]>> Yes.

[00:05:27]>> All right. I see that this is Riverwalk, >> correct?

[00:05:32]>> Past midnight, >> correct?

[00:05:34]>> Alcohol involved, >> correct?

[00:05:36]>> And I see where uh in the statement, well, in the police report, everyone is saying that this was a blur.

[00:05:44]>> Correct.

[00:05:45]>> Okay.

[00:05:45]>> And there are just for the court setification, there were two samples of male DNA. There's a delayed outcry. uh the second sample of male deal and it DNA wasn't disclosed in the complaining witness's statement uh the codefendant was found incompetent so can neither be inculpatory or exculpatory so this case had some unique features to it >> all right all right now I understand why the offer is what it is >> yes your honor yes >> and I appreciate you both for clarifying that >> yes ma'am >> all right is going to sentence you to six years in the prison give you credit for any time served. There's to be chapter 62 registration and there's to be no contact uh with the complainant.

[00:06:36]All right. Is there anything else with regards to sentencing?

[00:06:38]>> No, ma'am.

[00:06:39]>> Showing you what's entitled trial court certification of defendants rights to appeal. Did you review that with your attorney? Did you understand it? And did you sign it? Because this is a plea bargain agreement. Because I followed your plea bargain agreement and because you waved your right to appeal, you do not have the court's permission to appeal. Because this is a felony conviction, you're not allowed to own or possess any weapons or ammunition. If you have a question over what a weapon or ammunition is, you'll need to speak to an attorney. Do you understand? All right, we can go off the record. Mr. Coranza, the time to do right is before you get in trouble. You understand?

[00:07:15]>> All right, good luck to you.

[00:07:17]>> Thank you, J. May we be excused?

[00:07:18]>> Yes. calling 2023 CR 9087 and 9088 state of Texas versus Luis Miguel Hernandez. Can I have parties announced for the record for the state >> defense for the defendant Luis Miguel Hernandez >> and are you Mr. uh Luis Hernandez?

[00:07:41]>> Council, have you received all the discovery in each of these cause numbers and did you review it with your client?

[00:07:46]>> We have your honor. court will find that the state is in compliance with discovery. And each of the cause numbers, I'm showing you what's entitled application for probation. Did you review those with your attorney? Did you understand them? And did you sign them?

[00:07:58]>> Yes, your honor.

[00:08:00]>> And each of the cause numbers, I'm showing you what's entitled true bill of indictment. Did you review those with your attorney? Did you understand them?

[00:08:06]>> Yes, your honor.

[00:08:08]>> Council, do you wave the reading of the indictment in each cause number? Do your >> state, are you proceeding on the indictment as presented in each cause number? Yes, sir.

[00:08:17]All right, Mr. Hernandez. In each of the cause numbers, I'm showing you what's entitled court admonishments and defendants waiverss and affidavit of admonitions. Did you review those documents with your attorney? Did you understand them?

[00:08:28]>> Yes, sir.

[00:08:29]>> And the cause number ended in 9088.

[00:08:32]You're charged with the offense of possession of a controlled substance penalty group one less than one gram.

[00:08:38]Range of punishment is anywhere from 180 days up to two years in the state jail facility and up to a $10,000 fine. and cause number 2023 CR9087.

[00:08:49]You're charged with the offense of possession of a controlled substance penalty group one one uh 1 g to 4 g that's a thirdderee felony. The range of punishment is anywhere from 2 to 10 years in prison and up to $10,000 fine.

[00:09:04]Did you understand?

[00:09:05]>> Yes, you're right.

[00:09:05]>> And each cause number if you have a plea with the state court does not have to follow your plea. If for any reason the court does not follow your plea gives you more than you bargain for, the fact that you entered a plea will not be used against you and you will be allowed to withdraw your plea. Did you understand?

[00:09:20]>> Yes, ma'am.

[00:09:21]>> And each cause number you have a right to jury trial, a right for you or your attorney to cross-examine and confront any witnesses the state will call and the right to remain silent.

[00:09:31]Did you understand?

[00:09:32]>> Yes, your honor.

[00:09:33]>> Did you understand by entering this plea you were giving up those rights?

[00:09:37]>> Yes, ma'am. And did you intend to give up those rights and enter into plea in each of these cause numbers?

[00:09:44]>> Yes, your honor.

[00:09:46]>> Council, has your client been able to provide you with any defenses?

[00:09:49]>> He has, your honor.

[00:09:50]>> Do you believe he has a rational as well as a factual understanding of the charges against him?

[00:09:55]>> As of both charges, yes, >> do you believe he's currently competent and was legally sane at the time of the offense?

[00:10:01]>> In my opinion, yes, sir.

[00:10:03]>> Mr. Mr. Hernandez, in either cause number, has anyone threatened you, coerced you, or place you in fear to get you to enter the plea?

[00:10:09]>> Anyone promised you anything other than the plea?

[00:10:12]>> Are you satisfied with the way you've been represented?

[00:10:14]>> Yes, ma'am.

[00:10:15]>> Are you a US citizen?

[00:10:16]>> Yes, ma'am.

[00:10:18]>> And each of the cause numbers, the court will find that defendant has knowingly involuntarily waved his right to jury trial. And each of the cause numbers, I'm showing you the plea bargain agreement. Did you review that with your attorney? Did you understand it?

[00:10:30]>> Yes, your m. According to the plea bargain agreement.

[00:10:33]All right, everyone. You need to whisper. According to the plea bargain agreement and cause number ending in 9088, punishments be assessed at 2 years in the state jail facility and the cause number ending in 9087, punishment is be assessed at 10 years in the prison. The state is recommending community supervision. The cases will run concurrently and cause number 2023 CR9089 will be taken in consideration and there's a request that you be referred to drug court. Did you understand that be that's the plea?

[00:11:08]>> Yes.

[00:11:09]>> Defense is that the plea?

[00:11:10]>> It is your >> state. Is that the plea?

[00:11:12]>> Yes.

[00:11:13]>> Showing you in each clause number the wave of appeal paragraph. Did you review that paragraph with your attorney? Did you understand it? Did you sign it in both places? Sure. Did you understand by signing that you're waving your right to appeal? The only items that can be appealed are written pre-trial motions that have been filed, heard, and ruled upon by the court. Did you understand?

[00:11:33]>> Yes, ma'am.

[00:11:33]>> Council, have there been any such motions?

[00:11:35]>> They are.

[00:11:37]>> Outside the agreement and cause number ended in 9088, state is requesting that your community supervision be for a term of 5 years.

[00:11:47]and the cause number ended in 9087.

[00:11:50]State is requesting that your community supervision be for a term of eight years. Did you understand those are recommendations from the state and the court does not have to follow those recommendations?

[00:11:59]>> Yes.

[00:12:00]>> Then in the cause number ending in 9087, how do you plead? Guilty, not guilty or no contest?

[00:12:05]>> No contest.

[00:12:07]>> And in the cause number ending in 9088, how do you plead guilty, not guilty or no contest?

[00:12:12]>> No contest.

[00:12:13]>> State any evidence to support the defendants's plea. state offer states to the one in both cases.

[00:12:19]>> Any objections?

[00:12:20]>> No.

[00:12:21]>> And state just one moment.

[00:12:31]Mr. Hernandez, in each cause number, did you review the documents entitled waiver and consent the stipulation of testimony and stipulations with your attorney? Did you understand it? Did you sign it in all the appropriate places?

[00:12:43]>> Yes, your honor. Again, did you understand you have a right to jury trial, a right for you or your attorney to cross-examine and confront any witnesses the state will call in the right to remain silent?

[00:12:52]>> Yes, sir.

[00:12:53]>> Did you understand that today the state will be presenting evidence in the form of witnesses statements and police reports, but most importantly, there will be no live testimony. Did you understand?

[00:13:03]>> Yes, sir.

[00:13:03]>> And each cause number, the court will find that defendant has knowingly and voluntarily waved and consented to stipulation of testimony and stipulations. Court will accept into evidence states exhibits one and attachments and review the same. After reviewing states exhibits one and attachments and each cause number, the court will find there's sufficient evidence to find you guilty. The court will defer finding if I'm sorry, you didn't apply for deferred adjudication.

[00:13:26]So on each cause number, the court will find there's sufficient evidence to find you guilty and the court will find you guilty. Are you proceeding with sentencing?

[00:13:33]>> Yes, your honor. We ask today.

[00:13:35]>> Anything you wish to say on behalf of your client?

[00:13:37]>> Yes, your honor. Um part of the reason he accepted probation and the reason the state has extended an offer of probation, he has been treating a method clinic with the center for healthcare services since March of 2020. Uh that being said, he did admit on this date that he did have a setback. Um he has been clean since that time and continue to treat with the methodone clinic. We do believe that probation is an excellent opportunity for him to remain sober. Uh he does receive social security disability income. Is that correct?

[00:14:04]>> Yes.

[00:14:05]S >> I'm sorry. You're going to have to speak up so the court reporter can hear.

[00:14:09]>> I'm sorry. I said that SSI and disability.

[00:14:13]>> He's receiving Medicaid. So, we'll just ask the court to consider that in sentencing today.

[00:14:17]>> All right. Why are you receiving SSI?

[00:14:21]>> I got a schisal effective disorder and PTSD.

[00:14:28]>> Right. So, >> how often are you using >> um >> and here's the thing. You need to be honest with me because I've read the police reports and each time with the police reports you were passed out and they had to use Nhan to revive you. So that's very dangerous. I mean, I've been doing good lately, but I mean, my uh my thing is, you know, when when I get really stressed out and like, you know, depressed because u my bipolar and stuff, um I tend to run to that, you know what I mean? And I'm working on it and I know it's not right and I'm trying to >> So, when's the last time you used?

[00:15:10]>> Last time.

[00:15:13]>> Was it yesterday? No, I mean >> because I will have you drug no >> marijuana.

[00:15:18]>> We're not talking about marijuana.

[00:15:21]>> Oh, yeah. It's been a long time.

[00:15:23]>> So, if you're drug tested today, what are the results going to be? And there is someone here to drug test you today.

[00:15:28]>> Um, marijuana and marijuana. Maybe some >> All right. Anything else?

[00:15:37]>> That's it.

[00:15:38]>> So, when's the last time you used >> uh You talking about the opiates?

[00:15:48]>> Opiates, the fentinol, the heroin.

[00:15:50]>> Oh, that was my first and last uh only time doing fentanyl, honestly.

[00:15:54]>> All right.

[00:15:54]>> But my thing is heroin and that was uh since then I probably done it one time to be honest.

[00:16:00]>> And the meth.

[00:16:01]>> Oh, the meth. That's just like it's around. You know what I mean? Cuz my mom is on that stuff unfortunately. But um probably like it's just bad habit that I might hit it like maybe once a month or something.

[00:16:23]>> All right. And cause number do you have children?

[00:16:26]>> No, no ma'am.

[00:16:27]>> Okay. And cause number 2023 CR9087 court is going to sentence you to 10 years in the prison suspended and probated for 8 years. This will run concurrent with 2023 CR9088 taking consideration 2023 CR9089.

[00:16:49]There's going to be referral to felony drug court and that's going to be in custody.

[00:16:56]Regular reporting by Zoom or in person.

[00:17:03]uh UA hotline until further notice, proof of employment or SSI within 60 days.

[00:17:17]So, you have to provide proof of that.

[00:17:19]There's to be no employment as a home health care provider or with minors.

[00:17:25]90 sober meetings in 90 days.

[00:17:29]Phil visits one time per month until further notice, 200 hours of community service restitution. Uh probation. Is there anything else needed in that cause number?

[00:17:52]>> No, judge.

[00:17:54]>> And cause number 2023 CR9088 court is going to sentence you to two years in the state jail facility suspended and probated for 5 years taking consideration 2023 CR9089.

[00:18:10]This is to run concurrent with 2023 CR9087 referral to felony drug court in custody.

[00:18:23]Proof of employment or SSI within 60 days.

[00:18:31]No employment as a home health care provider or with minors.

[00:18:39]Regular reporting by Zoom or in person. UA hotline until further notice.

[00:18:51]200 hours of community service restitution. 90 sober meetings in 90 days. Phil visits one time per month until further notice.

[00:19:05]All right. Did you review the document entitled trial court certification of defendants's rights to appeal with your attorney? Did you understand it and did you sign it?

[00:19:12]>> Yes, ma'am.

[00:19:13]>> All right. Because this is a plea bargain agreement in each of these cause numbers. Because I followed your plea bargain agreement and because you waved your right to appeal, you do not have the court's permission to appeal.

[00:19:22]Because these are felony convictions, you're not allowed to own or possess any weapons or ammunition. If you have a question over what a weapon or ammunition is, you'll need to speak to an attorney. Do you understand?

[00:19:33]>> All right. We're going to go off the record. Mr. Hernandez quick on the record. Um, >> on the record, >> is he allowed to purchase those community service hours just because of his disability or does he have to >> find some place to perform that will take into consideration?

[00:19:45]>> Oh, I think they'll find a place for him. And usually with felony drug court, they will actually they're very creative with the community service hours as to doing things that can help you. So, they may wave some of your community service hours if you go on a retreat. All right.

[00:20:03]um off the record. So, let me just tell you why you're going in custody. The reason why you're going in custody is because you're continuing to use and being on methadone plus using other drugs is not good. And in each of these police reports that I read, you were passed out. And in one police report, you had overdose and they have to use Narcan to revive you. You could have died.

[00:20:25]>> But you at the clinic and I don't I don't come I don't use heroin. No, I mean the problem is you're using other thing than just heroin. You're using meth. So, um you really can't trade one drug for the other.

[00:20:40]>> I mean, I don't use it all the time.

[00:20:42]>> So, this is what's going to end up happening. Uh we can go off the record.

[00:20:45]This is your attorney will talk to you.

[00:20:48]I'm going to reach out to felony drug court if you don't have a problem with that counsel >> and see if they can interview him this week because I think he needs to be in there quickly.

[00:20:59]and I will send an email to them to see if they can accept him. Explain the situation to them. And you need to be honest with them. Don't be like, "Oh, it's just marijuana or it's just this."

[00:21:11]No, you need to be very honest with them. All right. And Miss Abrams, also, can you do a um He probably is going to need a Mickey vow as well.

[00:21:22]>> Yes.

[00:21:24]>> Okay. Thank you. Judge Stephanie Boyd sits stonefaced as Ran Coranza enters his plate. The charge is serious. A seconddegree felony with up to 20 years on the line. The deal on the table, 6 years, strict monitoring, and a lifetime of oversight. The judge runs through the standard questions. Coranza confirms he understands his rights, reviewed the evidence, and signed every waiver. His attorney paints him as remorseful, highlighting his GED, life skills certificate, and family support. Then the judge pauses. She flips through the police report, her expression shifting.

[00:22:00]She notes the incident happened late at night on the Riverwalk, involved alcohol, and that everyone described it as a blur. But what catches her attention is the forensic detail. Two male DNA samples found, one never disclosed to the victim, and a codefendant ruled incompetent. Judge Boyd leans forward. Now I understand why the offer is what it is, she says, acknowledging the case's unusual complications. Yet, she does not waver.

[00:22:27]She accepts the plea, sentences Coranza to 6 years in prison, and orders lifetime monitoring. She reminds him he has no right to appeal and cannot possess weapons. With a firm, good luck to you, she ends the hearing. Judge Stephanie Boyd destroys any illusion of leniency, proving that when evidence stacks up, consequences follow hard and