Adult Drug Court

What is Drug Court?

Drug Courts are specialized court programs that aim to serve offenders with substance use and  co-occurring disorders by providing treatment and rigorous standards of accountability.

Drug Courts utilize a problem-solving court strategy designed to address the root cause of criminal activity by coordinating efforts of the judiciary, prosecution, defense bar, probation, law enforcement, treatment, mental health and social services. Together, they maintain a critical balance of authority, supervision, support, and encouragement. Drug Court programs require participants to engage in individual and group substance use and mental health counseling (based on individual needs), random drug/ alcohol testing, probation supervision, collaborative case management and regular court status checks.

The goal of Drug Court is to break the cycle of the “revolving door” and support participants to achieve abstinence from drugs and/or alcohol by promoting responsibility and accountability and assisting participants in becoming productive law abiding citizens, which in return reduces criminal recidivism and provides for healthier communities.

WATCH: Drug Courts Explained

How do Drug Courts Work?

Adult Drug Court is for eligible criminal defendants diagnosed with a substance use disorder or co-occurring disorder. After a defendant pleads guilty, guilty but mentally ill or nolo contendere, the Court may defer or suspend the proceedings or enter a judgment of conviction and place the defendant on probation with the condition they participate in, attend, and successfully complete a substance or alcohol treatment program. If the defendant successfully completes their program and satisfies all other terms and conditions, the Court will discharge the defendant, set aside their judgment of conviction if applicable, and dismiss the case.