Gisela Mendoza was recently given the chance to serve a term of two years probation while completing drug treatment programs to be able to avoid a potential prison sentence on a category E felony drug charge.
Mendoza will need to complete a recommended inpatient drug treatment program and after that, immediately start and complete the 18-month Humboldt County Drug Court program to be able to withdraw her plea, avoiding a felony and potential prison sentence.
Mendoza’s attorney Humboldt County Public Defender Matt Stermitz said that Mendoza has a substantial substance use issue that has interfered with her life for some time and that she has indicated a desire to participate in a specialty court program for treatment.
“I apologize for any inconvenience I may have caused the court, I have had this addiction problem for a few years,” said Mendoza. “I have had this addiction problem for a few years, I love my children and want to be the mother they had before drugs ripped that away. I want to prove to myself and my family that I can live a sober life again.”
Mendoza was ordered to a 12-34 month prison sentence with 43 days credit for time served, with the judgment deferred so that Mendoza may complete the recommended treatment programs.
Mendoza was ordered to pay a $3 DNA collection fee, $25 administrative assessment fee, $60 forensic fee and $250 public defender fee.
“I’ve been looking forward to having an opportunity to kind of address this sentencing and help us move your case forward,” said Sixth Judicial District Court Judge Michael Montero. “I think we need to get some things started for you, especially based on your substance abuse evaluation.”
