IDAHO GOES DOWN Sarah Cartier is appreciative of her criminal history since it helped her get to where she is now.
Cartier’s graduation from the program, which is assisting her in overcoming her drug addiction and being a better mother, daughter, sister, and friend, was honored Wednesday morning by members of the Bonneville County Wood Court.
Cartier claimed that she felt as though she had no way out of her heroin addiction and that it had reached a point where she didn’t want to live any longer.
Cartier stated, “I either didn’t want to be here or I wanted to get better.” You know, I was just done; my spirit and soul were broken. Naturally, I had chosen to be that way, but all I wanted was to be the best mother I could be, as well as a nice daughter, sister, and friend. But I was so corrupted by my addiction.
Cartier during her Wood Court graduation. | EastIdahoNews.com, Kaitlyn Hart
Cartier was charged with felony possession of a controlled substance, eluding a police, and misdemeanor possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and resisting or obstructing officers. In July 2023, Cartier was sentenced to a rider program.
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Cartier claims that she was shocked to be placed on a retained jurisdiction or a rider, which forced her to finish a one-year treatment program in jail, when she showed up for her sentencing expecting to be placed on probation.
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Given everything I had done over the years to continue accruing charges and felonies, I would have been extremely fortunate to have been granted probation, Cartier said. However, I was well aware that the rider would not benefit me. I simply knew it wouldn’t be helpful.
Cartier’s Wood Court diploma. | EastIdahoNews.com’s Kaitlyn Hart
Cartier reached out to Kelly Mallard, her defense attorney, and begged him to assist her in applying for the Wood Court treatment program, which she had already tried once. She was accepted halfway through her rider program.
Cartier stated, “I knew Wood Court would give me the direction and assistance I needed.” I didn’t get Wood Court the first time. I’m really thankful that things clicked now because they didn’t before. This program has the power to change lives. God saved my life with this program.
As a final resort for people who struggle with criminal thinking and have committed many crimes, Wood Court has been an available treatment facility in Bonneville County since 2008 and in Bannock County since 2015.
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Cartier received her graduation certificate from Senior District Judge Dane Watkins, who also praised her evident gratitude for the program and staff that made it possible and said Cartier worked hard to be accepted into Wood Court.
The fact that this didn’t have to happen is what makes me feel grateful, Watkins added. Sometimes the stars align, and eventually, somewhere in your lives, they will align for all of you. It was this for Sarah.
Cartier with her loved ones after graduating from Wood Court. | Kaitlyn Hart, EastIdahoNews.com
The other members of the group, who are still undergoing therapy, were counseled by Sarah to be truthful and let the program alter their perspective.
This crew adores you, and I’ve gained a ton of wonderful friends along the road. “They want you to succeed and they care about you,” Cartier said. All you need to do is fight the good fight.
Cartier states that her current objective after completing the treatment program is to work as a recovery coach and assist those who are in a similar situation to hers prior attending Wood Court.
Cartier says, “I’m incredibly thankful to everyone who has supported me, stood up for me, and loved me during this time.” I will always be thankful for this amazing program.
To find out more about the Wood Court program, go here.
