Drug Court

Program Overview

• Docket is overseen by judge
• Mission is to reduce recidivism among drug-dependent offenders by providing enhanced treatment services
• Docket serves clients with both alcohol and/or drug addiction
• Defendant can be on Diversionary or Non-Diversionary Track
• Participation is voluntary and defendant must sign Participation Agreement
• Drug Court team includes: Judge, Coordinator, POs, Public Defender, Prosecutor, and treatment providers
• Drug Court team meets to discuss cases
• Court is held twice a month, a defendant’s appearance depends on phase/progress
• Program includes four phases
• Defendants drug tested randomly

Eligibility Requirements

• A current charge of a felony drug offense of the third, fourth or fifth degree and eligible for probation/community control
• Any non-violent felony offense of the third, fourth, or fifth degree where the defendant is determined to be a drug dependent person or in danger of becoming a drug dependent person and would benefit from treatment
• No pending cases in which charges may lead to convictions of a violent felony or sexually orientated felony
• Current and majority of past criminal behavior is drug-driven
• Defendant must demonstrate willingness to participate in long-term treatment process, no current acute health conditions
• A diagnosis of substance abuse or dependency (probation violation referrals must have diagnosis of dependence)

Referral Cases

• Referrals can be made anytime during the criminal justice process, and can be made by anyone (attorney, PO, etc.)
• Judges can refer via journal entry order
• Referrals can be submitted the Drug Court
• Drug Court POs will then be assigned the eligibility investigation. Once this investigation is complete, all parties will be notified whether the defendant will be accepted into, or denied entrance into the program