Dec. 14
Angel Leon-Quintana pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of intoxicating liquor, first offense. The court ruled as follows: Fined $685.00; Victim Impact Panel; DUI School; Breath Interlock Device for 12 months; Restitution; serve 30 days in jail with credit being given for 3 days time served. The balance of 27 days are suspended for 12 months under the condition that there be no violation of laws other than minor traffic offenses. The additional charges of driving with open container and injury to property were dismissed by the D.A.
In a separate case, Angel Leon-Quintana pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of intoxicating liquor, second offense. The court ruled as follows: Fined $1,050.00; Victim Impact Panel; Breath Interlock Device for 12 months; Attend and complete a program of treatment for the abuse of alcohol; serve 90 days in jail with credit being given for 52 days time served. The balance of 38 days are suspended for 12 months under the condition that there be no violation of laws other than minor traffic offenses.
Misty Marie Patterson appeared for a continued status hearing. She made a $100 payment on her court fees and agreed to a payment plan. Public Defender Steve Cochran represents the defendant. On Jan. 22, 2018., the 11th Judicial will assess her compliance with the payment plan.
Curtis Roy Frederickson came to court from the Pershing County Jail. Steve Cochran represented Frederickson, an ex-felon charged with possessing a firearm.
Cochran argued for his client’s release from jail on his own recognizance. Judge Jim Shirley imposed the standard terms and conditions and agreed to sign the order. Frederickson returns for sentencing on Feb. 5, 2018.
Public Defender Steve Cochran filed a writ of habeas corpus on behalf of Leonard Zarate, charged with possessing a stolen vehicle. The Judge planned to issue a ruling later in the day. The defendant goes to trial in Jan. 2018.
On Dec. 4, 2017, the court arraigned Nicholas Augustas Kastle on two charges – possession of a controlled substance and possession of a stolen vehicle. He pleaded not guilty.
On Monday, Kastle came to court to change his plea on the stolen vehicle charge. He pleaded guilty. In return, the state agreed to drop the other charges.
Kastle’s 63 days in the Pershing County Jail showed on his face. Cochran argued for Kastle’s release on his own recognizance. The Judge said he’d sign the order.
Kastle must get a substance abuse evaluation and abstain from alcohol and controlled substances, including marijuana. The court imposed drug testing protocol. The defendant returns for sentencing on Feb. 19, 2018.
Judge Shirley sentenced James Jay Nichols for possessing a stolen firearm. Lisa Brannon from the Division of Parole and Probation prepared a pre-sentencing investigation report dated Dec. 11, 2017.
Public Defender Steve Cochran argued for probation. The Judge gave Nichols 36 – 120 months in prison, suspended. He’ll serve up to five years probation.
The 11th Judicial Court met on Monday. Judge Jim Shirley presided. Deputy DA Jack Bullock represented the state.
Most of Public Defender Steve Cochran’s clients wore jailhouse stripes. Leather restraints strapped their wrists to their waists.
But Charles Handford Ferguson came to his arraignment from home. Back in 2014, Ferguson allegedly sold eight 50mg Oxycodone tablets according to the arresting officers.
“I thought I took care of this a few years ago,” said Ferguson.
“I have no record that you were ever arraigned on that charge,” said Judge Shirley.
The records show that the court held a hearing on Dec. 3, 2014. Judge Michael R. Montero signed a continuance.
“But the case fell through the cracks,” said Judge Shirley.
Ferguson pleaded not guilty.
The Court set his trial for March 21-23, 2018. If the case goes to trial, the next visitor to the courtroom might help decide Ferguson’s guilt or innocence.
The mystery of
the missing juror
An older man sat in the back of the courtroom watching the parade of defendants take their turns in the hot seat.
He came to court to explain why he missed jury duty.
The man should have joined two hundred people assembled at the Pershing County courthouse last fall. The crowd spilled onto the courtroom steps and out to the sidewalk.
While they waited, Scot Alan Reynolds plea bargained. In Feb., 2018, the convicted Tier III sex offender returns to court for sentencing.
On Monday, Jack Bullock helped the visitor to his feet. He stood and faced the Judge.
“We’re here because you failed to appear for jury service about a month ago,” said the Judge. “The law provides that I give you an opportunity to come in and explain why you didn’t show up.”
“They threw me on a plane to Reno to see the doctor, and when I come back I was out of it because of the medicine and stuff,” replied the older man. “I forgot. I’m very sorry. If you want me to try to do it again, I will.”
“That’s understandable,” said Judge Shirley.
“I appreciate your coming in and telling us what happened. Jury service is one of the most important things we do civically, like voting. It makes the country run.”
“I agree, Your Honor.”
“So, you’re telling me this won’t happen again?”
“No, I want to do jury duty.”
“I’ll put you back in the pool,” said the Judge. “You’ll be called again.”