A Warren man was sentenced to county prison for drug-related offenses during Warren County court proceedings Friday.
Judge Maureen Skerda sentenced Justin M. Nelson, 21, 108 Grant St., to 11 1/2 months to 23 months in Warren County Jail with credit for 15 days served for possession with intent to deliver.
Nelson was also sentenced to three years of probation, a six-month drivers license suspension, undergo and follow-up on a drug and alcohol evaluation, DNA testing, $200 in restitution and $2,950 in fines and fees.
Bernard T. Hessley, defense attorney, said his client has undergone a physical and mental change since being incarcerated. His prior offenses are almost exclusively summaries, he said, and his client sold drugs mainly to continue his own habit and not to profit.
"I'm ready to take full responsibility and apologize to anyone who was affected," Nelson said.
District Attorney Ross McKeirnan asked for Nelson to pay back the buy money used to purchase the drugs.
Skerda said Nelson had entered a guilty plea to possessing heroin. She asked if he had undergone treatment since being charged.
According to Nelson, he has attended Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous meetings. In addition, he said, he goes to group drug and alcohol counseling.
During his incarceration, Skerda said Nelson didn't attend all the self-help meetings available to him. At first, Nelson said he wasn't taking his treatment seriously but now he does.
Skerda also questioned his conduct in jail, noting he had been involved in a fight. Nelson claimed he was struck first and acted in self-defense.