Written by: Fatima Younis
The Natrona County District Court held initial appearance hearings for a number of defendants on Monday, presided over by Judge Kevin Tahiri of the Seventh Judicial District, and in the presence of Assistant District Attorney Pat LeBrun representing the prosecution. The court emphasized that all defendants pleading not guilty or facing misdemeanor charges are considered innocent until proven guilty or they plead guilty, noting that charges may be amended in subsequent proceedings.
Hearing Details and Procedures
The court explained that a guilty plea in criminal charges does not take place in the District Court; rather, bail conditions are only determined there. Misdemeanor charges included in the same case fall under the criminal track to the County Court, where the formal plea is entered. A bail bondsman can typically provide a surety bond of at least 15%, while personal or signature bail means no monetary amount is required for release, with the defendant's commitment to pay the full amount in the event of failure to appear. The nature of the crime, weight of evidence, community ties, and the defendant's criminal record, including current bails or active probation periods, affect bail and sentencing.
Defendants and Charges Filed
The court recorded three defendants pleading not guilty to the charges against them, with bail set for each. Defendant Zakari Orozco, 19, faces a charge of domestic violence with a cash or surety bail of $1,500. Anthony Stephen Roy, 43, is accused of drug test fraud through possession of a adulterated substance, and was released on personal bail of $1,500. As for Nia Washington, 32, she faces charges of interference and use of a controlled substance, with a cash or surety bail of $750.
