Drug Court

 

The sixteenth circuit court district offers an intensive, highly structured drug court program to help treat drug and alcohol addiction.

 

A drug court is a special court given the responsibility to handle cases involving drug using offenders through comprehensive supervision, drug testing, treatment services and immediate sanctions and incentives.

 

Drug court participants undergo long-term treatment and counseling, sanctions, incentives, and frequent court appearances. Successful completion of the treatment program results in dismissal of the charges, reduced or set aside sentences, lesser penalties or a combination of these. Most importantly, graduating participants gain the necessary tools to rebuild their lives.

 

• Incorporating drug testing into case processing.

• Creating a non-adversarial relationship between the defendant and the court.

• Identifying defendants in need of treatment and referring them to treatment as soon as possible after arrest.

• Providing access to a continuum of treatment and rehabilitation services.

• Monitoring abstinence through frequent, mandatory drug testing.

• Establishing a coordinated strategy to govern drug court responses to participants' compliance.

• Maintaining judicial interaction with each drug court participant.

• Monitoring and evaluating program goals and gauging their effectiveness.

• Continuing interdisciplinary education to promote effective drug court planning, implementation, and operations.

• Forging partnerships among drug courts, public agencies, and community-based organizations to generate local support and enhance drug court effectiveness.

 

    Download A Drug Court Referral Form Here