Woman receives drug court opportunity

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A Morris woman will be able to avoid a five-year prison sentence if she successfully completes rehabilitation and the circuit court drug court program.

Danielle Puerta, 21, 603 E. Jefferson St., appeared in circuit court Tuesday and pleaded guilty to possession of heroin. She was arrested by Morris police on Sept. 3. Misdemeanor charges of possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia were dismissed.

Puerta, who has been in the county jail since her arrest, was ordered to remain in custody until a bed in a rehabilitation facility become available.

When released from the rehab facility, she will enter the drug court program, which requires weekly court appearance, drug testing, obtaining training and a job.

Drug court is available to defendants charged with drug offenses who would otherwise be sent to prison. If the defendant does not successfully complete the drug court program, he or she must then serve the prison sentence.

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