Lawrence County’s two common pleas judges issued stern warnings last week about obeying the rules to at least two convicts who appeared in their courtrooms on probation violation complaints.

Richard Maze, 20, of Huntington, W.Va., admitted to Judge D. Scott Bowling he violated the terms of his community controlled sanctions (CCS) by not reporting to his probation officer as he is required.

Bowling sentenced Maze to 90 days home confinement as soon as he is released from jail on other charges filed in Lawrence County Municipal Court.

“He understands if this happens again, he is going to prison,” Maze’s attorney, Chris Delawder said. “I believe he can have a productive life ahead of him. But he has got to get his life straightened out.”

Bowling was direct in his address to Maze, telling him home confinement was a privilege, not a right and that Maze should obey the rules carefully.

“If you violate, you will find yourself back in this court and you will find yourself in prison,” Bowling said.

Also Wednesday, Shane Haney, 21, of 300 Washington St., Coal Grove, admitted he violated his probation by failing three drug tests. Judge Charles Cooper sentenced him to 10 days in jail.

While the amount of time behind bars is not lengthy, Assistant Lawrence County Prosecutor Jeff Smith said the jail stay is meant to make Haney realize the seriousness of his situation.

“We are trying to get this young man’s attention. He has failed three drug tests. Otherwise he has been cooperative. He has employment issues he needs to deal with,” Smith said. “And I’m going to say this out loud: if he comes back here again, next time, I will ask for prison time. I want him to know we are serious about him not smoking marijuana anymore.”

Haney’s attorney, Jeremy Morris, said he had discussed the situation with his client and has stressed the importance of following the rules.

“He understands the seriousness of his actions,” Morris said. “And he wants to put this matter behind him.”

“I hope this experience motivates you to give up marijuana. You’ve got to do that,” Cooper said. “I don’t want to send you to prison. You’ve done well otherwise. You’ve got potential. There’s no reason why you can’t get ahold of yourself.”

Haney was on probation for a theft conviction.

In another case, Misty Shavor, 28, of 4014 County Road 53, Ironton, admitted Wednesday she broke the rules of her probation by testing positive for drug use. Bowling ordered Shavor to successfully complete a treatment program at the STAR Criminal Justice Center.

Shavor was sentenced to community controlled sanctions earlier this year for theft and domestic violence convictions.