ADULT DRUG COURT |
The Kitsap County Adult Drug Court is a treatment based program for adults who are charged with certain felony and/or misdemeanor/gross misdemeanor crimes and facing criminal prosecution. The purpose of the program is to offer non-traditional and individualized treatment for chemical dependency as an alternative to criminal prosecution. The program features a team approach to rigorous treatment, coordinated with intensive supervision, random drug and alcohol testing, regular and frequent court appearances and educational opportunities. A combination of incentives and sanctions are utilized to motivate and encourage participants toward recovery. The participant's progression through the various phases of the program is appropriately recognized. The Drug Court Program is approximately eighteen months in duration but may be longer depending on the progress of the participant. Upon successful completion of the program, the court will dismiss the criminal charges with prejudice.
To qualify for the Drug Court Program, the participant's level
of substance dependence must be such that treatment and education will
substantially benefit the candidate and the community.
After screening for eligibility and suitability, participants may enter the Drug Court Program prior to entering a plea upon execution of the appropriate Drug Court Waivers and Contracts. This process is essentially a deferred adjudication model.
Failure of the participant to abide by the terms of the Drug Court Program will result in conviction for the underlying offense or offenses. There will be no trial as the participant will have stipulated to the Drug Court Judge reviewing the police reports as the sole means of determining guilt or innocence.
|
FAQ's |
Who is Eligible for Drug Court? Only adults who are charged with certain felonies and/or misdemeanors/gross misdemeanors are eligible for the Drug Court Program. The adults must suffer from substance use disorder and meet certain criteria of the Kitsap County Prosecuting Attorney's Office.
|
How are Adults Referred to Drug Court?
The Prosecuting Attorney determines whether to offer a potential drug court adult the opportunity to participate in the program. The defendant must first submit an application to the Prosecutor's Office. The first inquiry is whether the defendant is charged with an eligible offense and second, whether the defendant is an appropriate candidate. The defense attorney examines the legal issues and explains the Drug Court alternative to criminal prosecuting. If the Prosecuting Attorney, the defense attorney and the potential candidate wish to pursue the Drug Court Program, the referral is complete. |
How Does the Adult Drug Court Work? - The eligible participant applies for Drug Court.
The participant observes a session of Drug Court to determine whether there is interest in the program. The participant will next undergo an evaluation for chemical dependency, including suitability for treatment and willingness to enter and complete the program.
- Upon entering the program, the participant will begin intensive Drug Court treatment consistent with the treatment plan developed for the participant.
If the participant successfully completes the treatment program, the criminal case is dismissed.
|
How Much Does it Cost?
There is a fee of $800 for participation in the Drug Court Program. Drug Court participants will not be denied treatment services based on their financial circumstances. Payment for treatment services will be based on ability to pay, availability of medical coupons and of private insurance.
|
Who is the Drug Court Team?The Prosecutor, the Defense Attorney, together with the Drug Court Judge, the Drug Court Coordinator, Treatment Provider, Compliance Specialist, and the Clerk constitute the Drug Court Team. The Drug Court Team is unique to the courtroom setting. The key is a non-adversarial relationship between members of the team. This approach stems from the supposition that all team members share the common goal of reducing the drug dependence and criminal activities of the participants. The current Adult Drug Court Judge is the Honorable Melissa Hemstreet.
|
| |
RESOURCE MATERIAL |
