(RCNS) – A Virginian man was issued a suspended jail sentence on Wednesday in Henrico Circuit Court after he pleaded no contest to charges of drug possession and driving with a suspended license.

Rodney Spencer Christian, 56, was granted bond back in March following his arrest on Nov. 26, 2024, where he was charged with driving with a suspended license, alongside a previous charge of possessing a Schedule I drug back on Oct. 25, 2023.

Henrico Assistant Commonwealth Attorney Christina Romine read out the statement highlighting the charges for which he was tried. Romine stated that Christian was found in his car after driving on Nine Mile Road before he blacked out. In his car, police found a folded up lottery ticket, which forensic investigators confirmed contained traces of cocaine.

Christian received a 7-year suspended prison sentence, alongside five years of felony probation for his charges of drug possession. He was also sentenced to 12 months in jail for his driving charge, which was also suspended.

Once he had pleaded no contest, Circuit Judge Rondelle D. Herman began asking a series of questions to Christian to ensure he understood the implications of his plea, including the implication of guilt. Christian admitted he had only completed schooling up to the 7th grade and had some difficulty understanding the judge’s questions.

Herman asked if Christian had enough time to discuss the charges with his attorney, Kyle Anderson, who also assisted Christian throughout the judge’s questioning.

Christian’s history of substance abuse was a central point of the case and factored into the final sentencing. Romine asserted that despite concerns about his driving record, Christian was continuing in his substance abuse treatment program, which Herman commended him for.

He admitted during the hearing that he struggled with a drug addiction in the past but assured the judge that he was taking the appropriate steps towards sobriety. He also told the judge that he was in the process of completing a Pinnacle Treatment out-patient program, which he is set to complete by April 24.

As a part of Christian’s 7-year suspended sentence, he received a court order to complete his treatment at Pinnacle Treatment. He also received a 90-day motor vehicle suspension, was barred from any drug and alcohol consumption, and will have to pay a $1000 fine for his repeated offenses.

Herman said she hoped the sentence would motivate Christian to complete his treatment and wished him the best in his pursuit.

After the hearing concluded, Christian said he didn’t understand why the judge gave him seven years, but he said he remains committed to continuing his drug-free journey.

“Life goes on, you have some hiccups, but you do what you have to do,” he said.