Caleb Hinkle was recently ordered to complete a term of probation for a suspended prison sentence for unlawful use of a controlled substance, a category E felony.
Hinkle admitted to being under the influence of marijuana while under 21 years of age in March 2019, a category E felony.
The department of parole and probation and district attorney both recommended that Hinkle be given a chance to complete a six-month regimental discipline program as a diversion program that would allow him to avoid the felony conviction.
Hinkle told the court he had learned his lesson and expressed much hesitation when the discussion about regimental discipline occurred in October, even though it would give him the chance to avoid the felony.
Hinkle told the court that he would rather continue with his life and his job rather than completing a diversion program to avoid the felony conviction.
Regardless of Hinkle’s request, Sixth Judicial District Court Judge Michael Montero followed the recommendation and ordered him to complete a six-month regimental discipline program, giving him a future date to report to be transported to allow him to make arrangements with his job and life.
Two months after being ordered to complete the regimental discipline program Hinkle was back in court without successful completion.
Hinkle’s attorney Alternate Public Defender Maureen McQuillan asked the court to release Hinkle on a period of probation with a category E felony conviction on his record.
The 18-year-old told the court that boot camp was a “cruel punishment” that was very stressful and said he would rather be home where he can start working, start adulthood and start paying bills.
“I want to be home with my family for the Holidays,” said Hinkle. “The days I was in boot camp and the fish tank that truly did open my eyes that it’s not what I want to do with life and it was scary.”
Montero pronounced Hinkle guilty of a category E felony and ordered a 12-32 month term of prison with 65 days credit for time served.
The prison sentence was suspended and Hinkle was given the opportunity to avoid prison by completing 36 months of probation, along with paying a $153 DNA collection and analysis fee, $25 administrative assessment fee, $60 forensic fee and $250 public defender fee.
“The time you spent at the Nevada Department of Corrections for engaging in the regimental discipline may have opened your eyes to this but that’s only going to be a small example of what may be the ultimate result if you don’t successfully complete probation,” said Montero.
