Judge John Stevens WARNS Self-Represented Defendant & Explains 12-Year

Step inside a real Texas courtroom as Judge John Stevens Jr. talks directly with a man who wants to represent himself in a serious felony case, then explains a “12-year cap” plea offer to an 18-year-old charged with aggravated robbery with a firearm.

First, Judge Stevens checks on Mr. Ardoin, a self-represented defendant, and confirms:

Standby counsel John West, a public defender, has been appointed to help him

A defense investigator (Brenda Hansen) will be contacted to work on his case

The court will call the jail about fixing his access to legal research tablets / kiosks

The judge warns that when you represent yourself, you are still fully held to the rules of law, procedure, and evidence, and that failing to follow them can seriously disadvantage your own defense.

Later, 18-year-old Kaylor Maldonado appears on a first-degree aggravated robbery charge with a firearm. Judge Stevens walks him through:

The statutory range of 5–99 years or life in prison and a possible $10,000 fine

Why the court cannot give “regular” judge probation when a deadly weapon is used

The meaning of a “12-year cap” plea:

The worst sentence the judge could impose is 12 years,

But the court also has the option of deferred (unadjudicated) probation,

Deferred probation would avoid a conviction on his record if he completes all conditions.

He explains that over 90% of cases in his court are resolved by plea agreements and that his probationers have about a 92% success rate, compared to a lower national average. The judge encourages Maldonado to talk with his parents, weigh the risks of trial versus a capped offer, and gives him one week to decide.

The docket also briefly touches on:

Unauthorized use of a motor vehicle for Cody Parker, reset one week so counsel and the DA can finalize an offer,

The start of a state jail theft case for Diana Preston, where the judge begins explaining her charge.

⚖️ This real-courtroom video shows how Judge Stevens:

Handles self-representation, standby counsel, and investigators

Explains cap offers, probation, and life-long consequences

Encourages young defendants to make informed, mature decisions about their future

This video is for educational and informational purposes only and does not promote or glorify any individual or case.
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