Jessica Graciela Lopez was recently ordered to complete an inpatient rehabilitation program after violating the terms of her probation less than two weeks prior to the end date of her three-year probation sentence.
Lopez appeared in court on Tuesday and admitted to two probation violations, including the use, purchase or possession of illegal drugs and not following the directives and conduct outlined in the probation terms.
Lopez was originally convicted of being under the influence of a controlled substance in December 2016 and sentenced to one to four years in prison with 64 days credit for time served.
The prison sentence was suspended and she was ordered to complete three years of probation with completion of the Humboldt County Adult Drug Court Program, for the second time.
Lopez’s attorney Rendal Miller asked on behalf of Lopez that her probation period be extended for an additional two years with Lopez to complete an inpatient rehabilitation program. Miller also asked that Lopez be released from custody and given time to take care of her apartment and other things prior to going to treatment.
If the court does not allow for Lopez to complete the treatment and extended probation, Miller asked that she either remain in jail until her previously anticipated discharge date of December 6 or that she be dishonorably discharged from probation.
He said that the latter two options are not preferred as Lopez needs help with staying free of drugs and alcohol.
“We want her to be able to get the help that she needs to come back drug free and stay drug free,” said Miller.
Lopez apologized for messing up and said that it was not her intention to do so.
“I know I can do this and I know deep down I have an addiction and it’s not something I was planning on relapsing and not something I wanted to do on my own,” said Lopez.
Lopez has been through the adult drug court program twice with successful completion each time, and also said she completed a 30-day inpatient treatment program nine years ago at the age of 23.
Sixth Judicial District Court Judge Michael Montero ordered Lopez’s probation to be extended for two years and that she enter and complete an inpatient substance abuse treatment program. Montero ordered Lopez to stay in jail until a bed becomes available at an inpatient treatment program unless one does not become available by December 17, at which time there will be a status hearing on the matter.
“If we’re ever going to help this young lady I think I’m going to have to be through some sort of further rehabilitation,” said Montero.
