It’s a short ride from the jail to the Pershing County Courthouse. Correctional officers drove Leonard Zarate, 37, to the 11th Judicial Court on Monday. Todd Plimpton represented the defendant. The attorney entered a change of plea on behalf of his client.
Judge Jim Shirley explained the proceedings.
“I have a guilty plea agreement filed today indicating that there will be a no-contest Alford plea to possession of a stolen vehicle, a Category C felony,” he said.
Under Alford, a defendant pleads guilty without admitting to the crime. They recognize that the State’s evidence could yield a conviction. The plea lets them bargain for a lesser sentence.
DDA Jack Bullock explained the charges and possible penalties. On June 10, 2017, Zarate had a 1998 Toyota RAV4 in his possession. But the vehicle belonged to someone else, as evidenced by the registration.
The felony could get Zarate one to five years in prison. He may also accrue fines of up to $10,000 and restitution. The court may grant probation.
The judge set the sentencing hearing for June 4, 2018. Lisa Brannon from the Division of Parole and Probation will prepare the presentencing investigation report.
In the meantime, the judge reduced Zarate’s bail from $75,000 to $20,000 cash bond.
The higher bail resulted from the State’s habitual criminal charges. The DDA agreed to dismiss those charges based on the no-contest plea. Zarate has three prior felony convictions, all for stealing cars.
