John Chiv: Plea deal reached in Cuevas case, she is going to plea guilty as charged

Jan 8, 2025

Plea deal reached in Cuevas case, she is going to plea guilty as charged

This morning arraignment on information is scheduled in vehicular manslaughter and DUI suspect Maria Cuevas' preliminary hearing. The possibility of a resolution was discussed at the last hearing.

Ms. Andrea Sullivan is Cuevas' attorney. Deputy District Attorney Roger Rees is the prosecutor. Mr. William Stein was speaking with David Sprague's family members before court. Natosha Sprague was present via Zoom. Ms. Heidi Wells was in court today She is representing Ms. Jennifer Dixon who was not in court for today's hearing.

Ms. Sullivan spoke with Cuevas when court opened. Then, Ms. Sullivan briefly spoke with Mr. Stein and Ms. Wells.

Retired Judge Ksenia Tsenin and we all patiently waited for Mr. Rees who did not come to court until 8:45. Ms. Sullivan and Mr. Rees spoke outside the courtroom. Then, Mr . Rees spoke privately with the family.

Summary is she is pleading to all charges in the complaint, upper term max on lead charge, concurrent time for other charges. Tahl waiver in the misdmeanor DUI case which was from an incident before the 7th and I collision. Cuevas will enter of waiver of apellate rights.

"Tahl waiver is when a defendant waives certain constitutional rights before pleading guilty or pleading no contest to a criminal charge. These waivers are used in California cases involving both misdemeanors and felonies." Shouse Law

Plea will be taken on 1/16/25. Ms. Sullivan is in trial right now in the Jackson Parrott case and needs to go over the plea form with Cuevas so the hearing was continued by stipulation.

No other media was in court.