What is the Goal of Drug Court?
The primary goal of Drug Court is to rehabilitate drug offenders, prevent recidivism, and reunite families involved in dependency cases. Offenders who receive effective treatment are less likely to break the law in the future and treatment is more effective when supported by the court’s authority. By reducing recidivism and re-arrest rates we avoid expenses incurred by all agencies. The Bay County Drug Court assists participants in living drug-free lifestyles and becoming more productive members of the community.
The Three Phases of Bay County Drug Court for Adult Felons:
Phase I
- 4-6 weeks of outpatient treatment
- Attend group sessions 4 nights a week
- Individual sessions at least once a month
- Urinalysis 3 times weekly
- Attend court twice a month
- Attend NA/AA meetings
- Report to probation officer
Phase II
- 4-5 months depending on progress in treatment
- Attend group sessions 3 nights per week
- Individual sessions at least once a month
- Urinalysis 3 times weekly
- Attend court twice a month
- Attend NA/AA meetings
- Report to probation officer
Phase III
- 6-8 months depending on progress in treatment
- Attend group sessions 2 nights per week
- Individual sessions at least once a month
- Urinalysis twice a week
- Attend court once a month
- Attend NA/AA meetings
- Obtain GED
- Report to probation officer
How Does an Individual Enter the Drug Court Program?
There are certain factors the Drug Court team reviews when considering an individual for admission into Drug Court.
Examples of frequently used eligibility requirements for Drug Court are as follows:
- Non violent drug offenses: drug possession charges, drug purchasing charges, may include possession with intent to sell
- Demonstrated substance abuse problems
- Willingness to participate in treatment
- and Limited criminal history
Some factors or behaviors can exclude individuals from Drug Court . Defendants with both addiction and mental health problems present difficult obstacles. Also, defendants whose primary criminal involvement is in manufacturing and selling illegal substances or who have an ingrained criminal lifestyle typically make poor candidates for drug court.