Drug Court was designed to stop substance abuse and the resulting related criminal activity. The Court offers a choice for individuals whose criminal justice involvement stems from their substance use by providing the opportunity to receive treatment. In exchange for successful completion of the program the individual's current charge(s) will be dismissed.

Drug Court is a Solicitor based program. A multidisciplinary team consisting of the Solicitor (or his appointed representative) and  his Diversionary Programs Staff, Drug Court Judge, Substance Abuse Treatment Provider, and the Chief Public Defender (or an appointed representative) collaborate with an array of local service agencies as well as Probation/Parole and area Law Enforcement representatives to plan and coordinate the most appropriate interventions for the individual client. The team meets weekly to staff the progress of each client and to discuss his or her individualized goals. Participants are held accountable for their behaviors and actions and are required to develop and maintain a productive, drug free lifestyle.

Who is eligible for entry into Drug Court?

To be eligible person for Drug Court , a person must:

• be 17 years of age or older.
• be charged with a criminal offence which does not involve violent conduct or, sexual assault.
• not have offences of the nature described above pending before any other court.
• not have a prior criminal history involving violence or sexual assault.
• be dependent on a mood altering substance or substances.
• be highly likely to be sentenced to imprisonment for the offence(s) charged;
• have a  place of residence within a reasonable commuting distance to the Court.
• have reliable transportation.
• pled guilty to charges as agreed upon by the Assistant Solicitor and the Defense Attorney .
• not be suffering from any condition that could prevent or restrict the person's active participation in the Drug Court program.

If an offender is not accepted into the  Drug Court Program their case will return to the Court docket and will be handled in the usual manner.

How long does Drug Court last and what are the services provided?

The Drug Court program lasts for a minimum of twenty months and consists of:

• intensive judicial supervision
• intensive outpatient treatment
• intensive case management by the Drug Treatment Court team
• referrals for a range of support services including housing, education, vocation training, employment and specialized counseling
• random and frequent drug testing
• rewards and sanctions are used to compel compliance with the program.

What happens if the individual disobeys the conditions of the Drug Court program?

The Drug Court can apply sanctions including community service, short-term incarceration or discharge from the program.

What happens if the individual is discharged from the program?

The individual will go before a Circuit Court Judge and be sentenced on the charges to which he or she has already pled guilty.

What kind of behavior would result in sanctions?

• taking illegal drugs or failing to provide a sample for drug testing;
• use of alcohol
• committing further criminal offences;
• failure to comply with any Drug Court requirement
• failure to attend Court;
• failure to attend any appointment, class or counseling that the individual is directed to attend
• failure to obey any direction of the Drug Court or treatment provider.