Gerson Guerra pleads guilty, receives fine in first use of plea bargain legislation in High Court

Posted: Sunday, July 28, 2024. 7:12 pm CST.

By Aaron Humes: Justice Candace Nanton in the High Court has sentenced Gerson Guerra, a Belizean worker accused of attempting to murder his partner in 2020, in the first instance of usage of the Criminal Procedure (Plea Discussion and Plea Agreement) Act in a criminal trial.

Passed in June, according to attorney Erin Quiros of Balderamos Arthurs LLP, the new legislation allows the prosecution and the accused to discuss possible alternative sentences or reduced charges before going to trial.

Guerra admitted guilt to the lesser charge of aggravated assault, and both the defense and the prosecution agreed on a non-custodial sentence due to his circumstances, such as his employment and his responsibility towards his daughter.

As a result, Guerra was ordered to pay a $1,500 fine to the government, give $2,000 in compensation to the victim, and attend anger management courses instead of serving jail time. The judge noted that this type of sentencing is not unusual, and the new legislation helps in resolving cases more quickly, thus saving time and court resources.

On February 24, 2020, Guerra was accused of and now admits to entering the home of Tzalam with the key he had and engaging in an altercation with Tzalam, resulting in him pushing and wounding her.

Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Belize ~ We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages. Your content is delivered instantly to thousands of users in Belize and abroad! Contact us at mаrkеtіng@brеаkіngbеlіzеnеwѕ.соm or call us at 501-612-0315.