Judge schedules contested probation hearings; orders treatment alternative for one defendant

The court set contested hearings on probation violations across multiple dockets and in one matter accepted treatment-oriented conditions in lieu of revocation.

In the case of Justin James Gonzales the court found a violation to be true and the parties presented a jointly proposed alternative: deny the state's motion to adjudicate, alter conditions to require residential "safety" treatment followed by aftercare, and then impose post-treatment requirements such as sober meetings. After discussion the defendant confirmed he wanted treatment rather than adjudication and the judge ordered the safety program and aftercare; the matter will return to court Sept. 29 to confirm placement and next steps.

Other probation matters were calendared as contested hearings: Reginald Green was set for a contested hearing Sept. 29 because the parties were unable to reach agreement, and Abdul Miller's contested motion-to-revoke hearing was set for Sept. 10. In a separate matter, the court accepted the state's proposed resolution in which Eduardo Escalera pleaded true to a violation of a parenting-class condition; the state asked for adjudication and a sentence of two years, and the court followed the agreement.

Throughout the docket the judge emphasized treatment alternatives and program referrals (TAP and safety programs) as the court's preferred option when supported by supervision and the defendant's willingness to participate. The court repeatedly instructed probation to complete evaluations and report back promptly when treatment beds or program slots were needed.