By Teresa Moon and Leanna Lehman
Joseph David Badilla, facing three counts of Lewdness with a Child Under the Age of 16, Category B Felonies, each carrying a potential life sentence with parole eligibility after ten years, appeared for an arraignment in Tenth Judicial District Court on Tuesday, December 12, before Judge Thomas Stockard.
Following his April arrest, Badilla was arraigned in New River Township Justice Court before Judge Benjamin Trotter. During this appearance, Badilla informed the court of his intention to secure the services of Reno defense attorney Richard Davies, Esq.
At that time, Trotter released Badilla on his own recognizance based on the 2020 Valdez-Jimenez ruling, which provides specific guidelines for releasing defendants from custody. However, failure to meet release conditions or attend court hearings may result in Badilla being remanded to custody, with bail set at $450,000.
Badilla's case, which has been elevated to District Court, is now under the jurisdiction of District Court Judge Thomas Stockard. On Tuesday, December 12, Badilla appeared for arraignment without legal representation. According to Judge Stockard, a Substitution of Attorney was filed late the previous afternoon, seeking a change in defense counsel Steve Evenson, Esq. Unfortunately, Evenson was unavailable to appear for Badilla’s hearing.
In the absence of legal representation, Badilla informed the court of his intention to plead not guilty and to waive his right to a speedy trial. Deputy District Attorney Priscilla Baker stated that if Badilla pleads not guilty, the state will amend the current complaint to include all original charges and any discussed reduced charges. At the same time, terms based on prior plea negotiations would not be considered by the state.
Stockard warned Badilla, stating, “I'm going to grant you this courtesy once. Every future court appearance, your counsel needs to be here, or I am just going to remove him," The case was continued to January 9, 2024.
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