Judge commends defendant for plea

Tabitha Dawn Ballard appeared for sentencing before Judge Molly Owen on Tuesday. Pursuant to a plea agreement between the parties, Ballard was sentenced to three years suspended for felony strangulation, two years deferred imposition of sentence on felony criminal possession of dangerous drugs, and six months suspended to the Sanders County Jail for misdemeanor criminal mischief. All of the charges will run concurrent with each other, but consecutive to any other sentence.

Judge Owen waived the majority of Ballard’s fines and fees and gave her credit for 75 days time served. Addressing Ballard, Judge Owen commended her for pleading guilty to all charges, making no excuses for her behavior, and taking positive steps since the incident that led to the charges. “Taking accountability is very powerful,” Judge Owen told Ballard.