Judge West: “You Could Get 10 Years” After Refusing Plea Agreement

Added: 2026-06-02

[00:00:00]Mr. Chavez is charged with deadly conduct discharging a firearm from May 8th of 2025.

[00:00:10]What is the announcement?

[00:00:12]>> We signed a >> Oh, I'm sorry, Mr. Chavez.

[00:00:17]What that means is that if you go to trial and you're found guilty, the range of punishment is a minimum of 2 years up to 10 years in prison. Do you understand?

[00:00:39]>> He understands, Judge. He thinks the offer is too high right now.

[00:00:42]>> So, the state I have on the computer tablet >> a plea bargain rejection that has your signature on it that shows that the district attorney's office has made an offer >> if you wanted to enter a plea of guilty.

[00:00:58]for a six-year term in prison.

[00:01:02]>> It says or, but >> we were start I think we've been discussing a possible cap judge. I think >> okay, >> just the six years.

[00:01:09]>> Oh, today was an offer of six or the caps was >> what was the cap of what y'all >> I'm sorry. It should be eight years >> or a cap of eight years in prison.

[00:01:24]>> Which is where you would leave your punishment up to me.

[00:01:28]I could not give you more than eight.

[00:01:31]>> I could give you eight years. I could give you less.

[00:01:35]>> You have an absolute right to have a jury determine if you're guilty or not.

[00:01:42]And for that jury to determine your punishment if you're found guilty.

[00:01:48]I want to make sure you understand what the possible consequences are if you go to trial >> and what your options are if you wanted to enter a plea of guilty and do you understand all of that.

[00:02:06]>> Do you have a question?

[00:02:12]>> I I want to try but I don't want to take the offer right now.

[00:02:16]Mr. Nichols, is there any reason to believe that the state's offer would change?

[00:02:20]>> No, your honor.

[00:02:24]>> So, you don't have to like the offer, >> but the offer is what it is. So, your option is either to let a jury decide >> or to accept that offer.

[00:02:39]>> And so, what do you want to do?

[00:02:44]>> Wait.

[00:02:45]Wait.

[00:02:46]>> There's no waiting. You have to make that decision today.

[00:02:50]>> Please subscribe.