Steven Hernandez Plea Bargain Surprise

An Overlooked Element of Former Coachella Mayor’s Plea Bargain — Until Now

INDIO — As part of a generous plea bargain, former Coachella Mayor Steven Hernandez on March 24 pleaded guilty to one felony count of a conflict-of-interest law that prohibits public officials from participating in government contracts in which they have a financial interest.

The plea was entered as part of an agreement with the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office. Hernandez was sentenced to two years of formal probation and ordered to complete 200 hours of community service.

There is one more element of the plea deal that deserves sunlight. As part of his deal, upon the successful completion of his probation and community service, Hernandez may file a motion to have his felony conviction reduced to a misdemeanor. Moreover, the People (DA) “agree” not to oppose any such motion, according to the agreement.

If such a motion were to be successful, could his misdemeanor be expunged from his record? There are certainly ways to do it as others have.

Then what?

Under California law, a conviction for violating Government Code section 1090 carries a lifetime prohibition from holding public office in the state. As a result of this conviction, Hernandez is permanently disqualified from serving in any public office in California.

The conviction stems from Hernandez’s involvement in votes and actions related to a contract between the City of Coachella and the Coachella Valley Association of Governments’ Housing First Program.

The remaining charges in the original nine-count indictment, including perjury and additional conflict-of-interest allegations, were dismissed as part of the plea agreement.

If the possibility of his felony being reduced to a misdemeanor makes you angry, don’t be upset with Hernandez. He had a Crackerjack attorney. The People and the Court approved the plea bargain. Who among us wouldn’t want a similar deal is we could get it?

Hernandez was originally indicted by a Riverside County criminal grand jury on Oct. 30, 2025.

The prosecution was handled by Riverside County Deputy District Attorney Natasha Sorace.

Two years of probation will fly by. This could get interesting.