Gonzales man sentenced to prison for aggravated assault

A Gonzales County man was sentenced last week to spend at least the next 10 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice — Institutional Division for multiple charges, including aggravated assault against a member of his family with a weapon.

Joshua Matthew Tristan appeared before 2nd 25th District Court Judge Jessica R. Crawford on Tuesday, Nov. 28, for a sentencing hearing. Tristan had already pleaded guilty to the charges against him and sought probation from Judge Crawford, who reviewed the pre-sentence investigation report previously prepared by the Gonzales County probation office. 

The state presented testimony from two of Tristan’s victims, both of whom had each previously been in a dating relationship with the defendant. Another family member of one of the victims testified as well before the defendant took the stand himself.

After hearing all testimony, Crawford sentenced Tristan to the maximum amount allowable under the plea bargain agreement. He received 20 years in prison for a first-degree felony for aggravated assault with an affirmative finding that a deadly weapon was used, meaning Tristan will have to serve at least half of his 20-year sentence, day for day, before he is eligible for parole.

In addition, Tristan was charged with two third-degree felonies and received eight years each on the first count of assault with prior conviction and eight years on a count of assault by strangulation. In all cases, there was an affirmative finding of family violence.

While he received a total of 36 years, the sentences will all run concurrent, meaning Tristan will have to serve at least 10 years before he is eligible for parole. He had been out on bond and was taken into custody at the conclusion of the hearing to begin his sentence.

First Assistant Attorney David Benning Smith prosecuted the case, while Tristan was represented by Eddie Escobar.

County Attorney Paul Watkins stated “Judge Crawford carefully listened to the testimony and considered the evidence. Her sentence provides protection for the victims as well as for the community.  This sentence shows that victim’s voices are heard and abusers are held accountable in Gonzales County.”