From the Courts - State District Court: Man sentenced to probation on assault charge

Raymond O’Claray was sentenced in state District Court in Havre to three years probation after he previously pleaded guilty to an assault charge and an assault with a weapon charge was dismissed.

O’Claray was charged after a woman said they had gotten into a fight March 18 during which a wine glass O’Claray was holding had the base broken off and he tried to stab her with the broken stem.

O’Claray was charged March 24 with felony counts of assault with a weapon and partner or family member assault.

July 1, he pleaded no contest to the partner or family member assault charge and the assault with a weapon charge was dismissed.

In a no contest plea, defendants do not admit guilt but admit they would likely be convicted if the case went to trial. It is treated like a conviction as far as sentencing.

Monday, state District Judge Kaydee Snipes Ruiz sentenced O’Claray to three years, all suspended, credited him with two days served and ordered him to pay $130 in fees and surcharges.

Snipes Ruiz modified the conditions of his release to allow him to be in bars or casinos to allow him to continue at his job.