Defendant cites Awakening Recovery Center for helping him achieve and keep his sobriety
By Jon Johnson
SAFFORD – James Henry Price, 55, was sentenced to three years of standard probation by Graham County Superior Court Judge Pro Tem Travis W. Ragland on Tuesday, after Price informed the court of his efforts in achieving sobriety. Price had previously pleaded guilty to possession of a dangerous drug.
According to its business website, Awakening Recovery Center is a counseling facility with an evidence-based approach to assist patients in need. It is a counseling facility for addiction and alcohol recovery with locations in Safford and Tempe, and has more than 60 years of experience treating addiction and alcoholism with a holistic approach to recovery.
During Price’s sentencing hearing, he informed the court of his success with Awakening, helping him achieve sobriety and keep it.
A presentence report from Graham County Probation corroborated Price’s statements and recommended probation, which was echoed by both the prosecution and defense.
“Probation is not a suggestion,” Judge Ragland told the defendant. “Show up, do your best, and be honest.” Do those three things, Judge Ragland said, and you will not only be successful on probation but will be let off early.
In addition to several fines and fees, Judge Ragland also ordered Price to serve 180 days in jail, with credit for three days served and the remainder deferred pending his completion of any treatment programs required by probation.
Judge Ragland then told Price that he hoped the next time he saw his name would be for early release from probation in about a year and a half.
