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.