Jail release granted to convicted felon for health reasons

By Charlotte Smith and Kelli Dodgen

April 7, 2004 | A 39-year-old man who has pleaded guilty to two third-degree felonies will continue on jail release until his foot heals.

Defense Attorney Greg Skabelund in a review hearing Monday renewed the motion for jail release by adopting treatment recommendations by Bear River Mental Health.

Patrick Joel Miller, Providence, was sentenced to jail for no less than 60 days and no more than six months until accepted into the NUCCC inpatient program for alcohol addiction.

The court heard the juvenile defense attorney of Miller's two children, who said having Miller in his own home under a probation officer will help his family and is a better success rate for overcoming alcohol addiction than jail or a mental health institution.

"He has been through the Adult Probabtion and Parole program and it was unsuccessful, and nothing suggests his presence will help his home," said First District Court Judge Gordon J. Low.

Skabelund read recommendations by Dr. Mitchell of Bear River Mental Health and options of recovery for Miller. Mitchell recommends Miller needs to meet with counselors, participate in Alcoholics Anonymous and meet with a psychiatrist about his anxiety and depression.

Miller pleaded guilty to two counts, burglary and criminal mischief. He has had two other counts dropped since his initial appearance in November 2002.

"The victims have requested that Miller have no contact with them while on jail release," said County Prosecuting Attorney James Swink.

Judge Low said a restraining order is already in place for Miller to stay out of contact with the victims.

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