Judge denies nondisclosure petition after state says fines unpaid

A judge in the 252nd District Court on Feb. 16 denied a petition for nondisclosure filed by Tasha Saez after the state told the court she had not paid required fines and fees.

The prosecutor argued the petitioner was not entitled to an order of nondisclosure under the statutory provision cited, saying, “it says it is not entitled for an order of nondisclosure, until the payment of all fines, costs, and restitution imposed.” The judge acknowledged the state's objection and denied the petition, directing that a written denial be entered in the record.

The court record notes the State had filed a response to Saez’s petition (cause 26DCCV0590) and that defense counsel had not been able to reach the petitioner before the hearing. The judge told the clerk to place the denial in the file and advised counsel about next steps if the petitioner pays outstanding financial obligations.

The ruling was procedural: the judge did not make a factual finding about other eligibility criteria and tied the denial to the unpaid financial obligations referenced by the prosecutor. The judge did not state a date for further proceedings on the petition; the denial and statutory citation remain on the court docket for the cause.