SANDPOINT — A Sandpoint man has been sentenced to 24 months of supervised probation for charges stemming from a domestic violence case. 

Samuel James Mitchell, 35, pleaded guilty to one count of misdemeanor domestic battery in the presence of a minor as part of a plea agreement. As part of the agreement, the felony attempted strangulation charge was dropped. The plea agreement also included that the state would not be pressing for jail time.  

District Court Judge Luke Hagelberg handed down the 24-month supervised probation sentence after hearing testimony from both the victim and Mitchell. In addition to supervised probation, Mitchell will be required to pay a $500 fine, attend 52 sessions of domestic violence court and spend 40 hours in the Sheriff’s Labor Program. The no contact order between Mitchell, the victim and the affected child in the case will also remain in place.  

The decision to lightly sentence Mitchell was a difficult one for Judge Hagelberg, as he stated he believed Mitchell deserved time in jail. However, Hagelberg followed the plea agreement punishments out of respect for the victim, who said she feared retaliation if she brought a charge against Mitchell. 

“Given the facts of this case are very egregious, if they (the state) asked for any jail time, I’d do it in a heartbeat. But reluctantly, I’m going to follow the recommendation,” said Judge Hagelberg.  

Mitchell was charged Feb. 20 after police arrived at his residence following a 911 call from the victim. According to court documents, law enforcement found the victim with red marks around her neck and holding a crying 14-month-old.  

The victim informed law enforcement of a verbal altercation that occurred between her and Mitchell and, according to court documents, the argument led to the alleged strangulation attempt in the victim’s bedroom.  

When asked about the child’s crying, the victim told officials that her child’s crying was a probable result of witnessing the alleged strangulation. The minor was present in the house during the altercation. 

When questioned by law enforcement, Mitchell claimed he acted in self-defense after the victim allegedly lunged at him, according to court documents.   

In a probable cause affidavit, Mitchell told law enforcement that he held the victim down but never meant to hurt her.