Three individuals were recently ordered to complete drug court and a diversion program to avoid a felony conviction after pleading guilty to drug charges in Sixth Judicial District Court in Humboldt County.
Karina Ellifritz, age 37, pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled substance, methamphetamine , a category E felony. The charge carries a potential one to four years in prison and up to $5,000 fine.
Ellifritz already completed the adult drug court program once in 2016, but she told the court that she didn’t feel the counselor was suited for her in her first time through the program and that she wants a chance to go through the program again and focus more on the mental health aspect of furthering her life in a positive direction.
Ellifritz was given the chance to go through drug court again and 36-months of probation. She was ordered to pay a $250 public defender fee, $60 forensic fee, $3 DNA fee and $25 administrative assessment.
Patricia McClerkin, age 31 pleaded guilty to unlawful use of a controlled substance, methamphetamine, a category D felony charge that carries a potential sentence of four years in prison and a maximum $5,000 fine.
A category E felony charge of possession of a controlled substance against McClerkin was dismissed on a motion by the district attorney’s office pursuant to plea negotiations.
McClerkin told the court that as a mother of four, she is working to improve several aspects of her life and would like a chance to complete the diversion program.
Sixth Judicial District Court Judge Michael Montero granted her diversion program request, allowing her to complete 36 months of probation and complete the Humboldt County Adult Drug Court program to be allowed to rescind her guilty plea and avoid a felony.
McClerkin was also ordered to pay a $250 public defender fee, $60 forensic fee, $25 administrative assessment fee and $3 DNA fee.
Brandon Burgess, age 54, pleaded guilty to one count possessing a controlled substance, methamphetamine, in 2019. The category E felony carries a maximum 4 year prison sentence and $5,000 fine in Nevada.
The court was advised by the department of parole and probation that Burgess also had at least three driving under the influence charges on his driving record.
Burgess was ordered to undergo a drug and alcohol assessment and will be ordered to enter the Humboldt County Drug Court Program if the assessment recommends treatment, as well as complete 36-months of probation. He was also ordered to pay a $250 public defender fee, $60 forensic fee, $25 administrative assessment fee and $3 DNA fee.
As part of the terms of probation, all drug court participants are ordered to abstain from the use, purchase or possession of alcohol and all controlled substances including marijuana and prescriptions unless prescribed by a doctor and approved by a probation officer.
Completing the 18-month Humboldt County Drug Court Program and the other terms of their 36 months of probation will allow the three defendants to return to court and rescind their guilty plea to the felony charge and avoid a felony conviction.
