NORWICH – A woman appeared in court to be sentenced for a charge she pleaded guilty to a year ago, but was given a chance to prove she was a changed person.
Amber Button, 21, pleaded guilty Monday to a reduced misdemeanor charge of petit larceny.
“The people are impressed with her efforts in Drug Treatment Court and she should be a role model to those still in the program,” said Assistant District Attorney Steven Dunshee.
“These are your first steps in a long and happy life. I am very proud of all the great progress you’ve made,” said County Court Judge Howard Sullivan during sentencing.
Button was arrested in 2005 for fourth degree conspiracy, a felony, and petit larceny. Her attorney worked out a deal postponing her sentence for a year and in exchange she would be heavily monitored by Probation and Drug Treatment Court. If one year from her sentence she received a good enough review, the judge would allow her to plea to a simple misdemeanor.
“It was really tough at first. I didn’t want to go to jail. I needed to be out here with my kids. I want to thank the drug court team and my grandmother,” said Button.
During her time in the drug court program, Button obtained her certification as a certified nursing assistant, acquired her high school diploma and had a baby. Button also received temporary custody of her 13-year-old sister who was in foster care while caring for her own two children. She is currently in the process of gaining full custody.
“She really went beyond the expectations and I’m so very happy we could help get her life back on track,” said Drug Treatment Coordinator James Everard.
Button was ordered to pay back $277 in restitution and sentenced to three years interim probation.
Drug court is for offenders whose addictions are linked to their crime; their progress is monitored by a team composed of the judge, attorneys and program staff. Participants engage in direct interaction with the judge, who responds to progress and setbacks with a range of rewards and sanctions. Successful participants generally have the charges against them dismissed or reduced, while those who fail receive jail or prison sentences.
Candidates for drug treatment court must first admit they have a problem and accept responsibility for their crimes. They are subject to random police searches at their residence or their person. They must submit to any drug test at the leisure of their supervisors and must explain their general whereabouts; some even have curfews and other restrictions. Drug court is the most intensive out of jail supervision offered by Chenango County. Candidates are required to attend other outside meetings such as mental health or drug and alcohol classes.
Button never missed any appointments, had any sanctions or violations filed against her; officially her response and attendance record was perfect.
According the drug court records, since its start in 2004, 27 people have successfully completed drug court and 108 have applied. The program does not accept everyone and has rejected several people. A total of 15 people have failed the course and were sent to jail or prison and only four of its graduates have repeated any offenses. Currently there are 27 people in the program with several others being considered for admittance. Economically drug court has been a cheaper alternative to the cost of incarceration and offers more rehabilitation support than jail or prison, program officials say. Drug court is recognized as a privilege for those participating in it because before its conception in 2004, they would have been incarcerated.