The first 2020 term of Clinton Circuit Court was a relatively lighter than usual session on Thursday, January 9 with Circuit Judge David L. Williams presiding over the first docket of the calendar year.

The following are cases in which some type of resolutions were made or sentences handed down.

* During a pretrial conference, a plea agreement was reached in the case of Commonwealth vs. Ashley L. Barton.

The Commonwealth recommended dismissing the following charges: possession of drug paraphernalia, possession or use of radio capable of sending/receiving police message, escape third degree, fleeing or evading second degree, possession of a controlled substance not in original container and resisting arrest.

Upon a plea of guilty to trafficking in a controlled substance first degree first offense, the defendant would receive a sentence of 7 1/2 years and upon a plea of guilty to tampering with physical evidence, given a year sentence, to run concurrent for 7 1/2 years.

The Commonwealth would oppose probation. However, the Commonwealth will agree to shock probation after 180 days following final sentencing.

Final sentencing was scheduled for February 6.

* Sentencing was held in the case of Commonwealth vs. Steven A. Swift, pursuant to an agreement reached on December 2, 2019.

The defendant pled guilty to burglary third degree with a five year sentence imposed and guilty to criminal mischief first degree with a five year sentence. The Commonwealth opposed probation. The defendant will be remanded to serve the balance of his sentence with credit for time served.

* During motion hour, a plea agreement was reached in the case of Commonwealth vs. Richard Roberts.

The Commonwealth recommended that upon a guilty plea to theft by deception, the defendant shall receive a five-year sentence and upon a plea of guilty to make required disposition, a five-year sentence to run concurrent and the Commonwealth would oppose probation.

Upon any form of parole or shock probation, the defendant shall pay restitution in the amount of $24,620. Final sentencing is scheduled for February 6.

* Sentencing was held in the case of Commonwealth vs. Nicholas Ghise, pursuant to an agreement reached on December 2, 2019.

The defendant pled guilty to trafficking in a controlled substance first degree with a five year sentence. The sentence will be probated for five years with supervision and receive credit for time served.

* During a case review, an agreement was reached in the case of Commonwealth vs. Teddy Davis.

The Commonwealth recommended dismissing the following charges: possession of a controlled substance not in original container, possession of drug paraphernalia, marijuana, public intoxication and possession of a controlled substance first degree.

Upon a charge of possession of a controlled substance first degree, the defendant will receive a five-year sentence and pay court cost. Final sentencing is scheduled for February 6.

* During a revocation hearing, in the case of Commonwealth vs. Quentin Lee Stowell, charged with trafficking in a controlled substance first offense, the court determined the defendant had violated terms and conditions of probation and revoked same.

* During motion hour, motion for shock probation, in the case of Commonwealth vs. Wesley L. McGaw, charged with drug related offenses, the court granted shock probation.

* During a pretrial conference in the case of Commonwealth vs. George Patrick Noe, charged with assault second degree, upon a request by the Commonwealth, the matter was dismissed without prejudice.

* During a revocation hearing in the case of Commonwealth vs. Christy Renee Chrisley, in lieu of revocation, the defendant is to be assessed regarding eligibility for the Clinton County Drug Court Program.

* During a pretrial conference in the case of Commonwealth vs. Timothy Wayne Jones, charged with drug related offenses, the defendant did not appear and an arrest warrant was issued.