Plea Hearings Yield Similar Probation Sentences For Very Different Crimes

SAN ANGELO, TX – In May 2016 LIVE! reported on the passing of Albert B. Terrazas, a 58-year-old man from Mereta, who died after a car collided with his vehicle at the crossing of Lipan Creek Rd and Phinney, about 20 miles outside of San Angelo. Today, the man charged with causing Terrazas' death was brought before Judge Jay Weatherby’s court where the defendant entered a plea deal.

According to court documents, Cody Adam Weishuhn, 32, had failed to stop at a stop sign after falling asleep at the wheel, causing him to crash into Terrazas' vehicle. Weishuhn was not indicted by a grand jury, but rather charged by the District Attorney’s office.

This morning, several individuals came to support Terrazas’ son as he addressed the court. He began by recounting the wonderful memories he had of his father whom he described as a friendly and hardworking man. Terrazas was well known in the community, Terrazas' son said. He recalled seeing the funeral home filled with people, who had come to convey their condolences to the family. The entire ordeal has been very hard on his family, he added. On the tragic Sunday, when the accident occurred, the last thing anyone in the family expected, was finding out that their father was gone, Terrezas' son concluded.  

After Judge Weatherby had evaluated all the information presented by the state, he asked Weishuhn, if he was entering the plea under his own volition, which Weishuhn confirmed.

The state proceeded to recommend four years of deferred adjudication and a restitution fee of $7,444.43. In layman's terms, this means that Weishuhn will be on probation for the next four years and will be required to stay within Tom Green County lines at all times, unless an authorization to leave as given in writing by his supervisor. After the 4 years are over and the restitution is paid, Weishuhn will have no record of any conviction for criminally negligent homicide. The state also recommended he take a course to ensure he practices safe driving habits in the future.

​During the same morning court session, William Timothy Wadkins, 25, also entered a plea deal. Wadkins was charged with forgery of financial instrument after having forged a check for $700, according to court documents.

Wadkins was also placed under deferred adjudication for three years and ordered to pay a fine of $1500 and a restitution of $75.

Both forgery of a financial instrument and criminal negligent homicides are considered state jail felonies.