Phinney is first drug court graduate in two years

It's been awhile since a graduation ceremony took place the Livingston County Law and Justice Center. However, one special graduation event happened on Friday, March 31.

This wasn't your typical graduation ceremony with robes and mortar boards. This was something more life-fulfilling. This was a ceremony that recognized the accomplishment of one person who earned the right be labeled as clean and sober.

Charles Phinney of Pontiac became the first person from the Livingston County Drug Court to graduate from the program in two years.

“In looking around in this room, you can see that we are, slowly but surely, making a difference one person at a time,” Judge Jennifer Bauknecht said to the group of friends and well-wishers on hand to celebrate with Phinney.

Bauknecht heads up the drug court program with the help of members of county law enforcement, state's attorney's office, the probation office and IHR.

The program can typically take up to two years to complete. Phinney did it in 18 months, one week.

“It is only through the hard work and dedication of our team members that we are able to celebrate today with Charles,” Bauknecht said in addressing the audience. “We really are very lucky to have a strong core group of people that work very tirelessly to try to come up with solutions to solve this ever-changing issue we have in Livingston County. These are some really good people doing some really good things.

“This really isn't a special day just for Charles. I consider this a special day for all of us, for the whole drug court family to celebrate what we have accomplished. It was mostly Charles, but we all face challenges in life, we face good time and we face bad times. It's refreshing to see some good, every once in a while, comes out and shines on us.”

Phinney was arrested for aggravated DUI and was faced with doing time behind bars, but the opportunity for drug court presented itself and Phinney opted to take that road.

“Charles, you are truly the epitome of changing your mindset, changes your outlook and everything positive flows from there,” Bauknecht said.

Among the words Bauknecht expressed regarding Phinney and how he has worked his way through the program, was his ability to be a team player.

“You were committed to your sobriety and committed to everyone else's sobriety,” Bauknecht said. “I really think you genuinely care about people, just about everyone. You want the best for everyone. (You) are probably one of the nicest people I have ever met, one of the most genuine people I have ever met.”

Erik Mund is Phinney's probation officer. He said that Phinney was sentenced to drug court in September 2021 and that he got kicked out of his home.

Mund told of some early missteps that eventually led to an awaking and a change in Phinney's approach to sobriety. He said that Phinney liked to test the rules in the early going, which resulted in a 30-day jail term.

Mund also pointed out that Phinney has been sober for 14 months, has a job, his own place and attends AA meetings “several times a week.”

After receiving a certificate from Bauknecht, Phinney was able to speak to the audience, which included a bit of testimony.

“The first part was rocky, I wanted to do things my own way,” Phinney said. “You see where it got me, away from kids for 30 days. After that, I would say I kicked into gear and started doing the right things for the right reasons.”

Phinney then read his speech that he had prepared beforehand. At times, he got a bit emotional as he thanked all who have been part of this journey.

“We needed an alumni for this program and I'm more than grateful to help,” Phinney said. He went on to offer thanks to those who helped him reach this point in his sobriety.

“To the judge, thank you for believing in me when I didn't believe in myself,” Phinney said with a bit of emotion in his voice. “I really appreciate all you do to give an addict a chance at freedom. Not from jail either, freedom from their own prisons of addiction. Keep doing what you do, thank you. Stay blessed.”

He pointed out that the program has been vital to his journey and that it will help others currently in the program to get through it and come out clean.

Another person he thanked was the person who started this journey for him. Sheriff Ryan Bohm was a deputy when he pulled Phinney over and arrested him for aggravated DUI.

“Thank you for arresting me that day,”Phinney said, again getting a bit emotional. “You saved not only my life but others as well. For that I'm truly grateful. … Keep doing what you're doing for Livingston County and Pontiac as a whole.”

Phinney also acknowledged his sponsor, a man named Eddie, who has since passed away. Phinney noted that Eddie left clean and sober and that he can share his experiences with other addicts because of Eddie's influence on him.

This article originally appeared on Pontiac Daily Leader: Charles Phinney is first drug court graduate in two years