Juvenile Drug Court FAQs [español]
Please refer to the Juvenile Drug Court page & brochure for additional information
What happens in Orientation and where is it held?
The youth and parent(s) are given a thorough detailed explanation of all aspects of the program prior to signing a contract and entering the JDC program. Orientation is held in the Jury Auditorium room which is located on the 2nd floor in main court house.
What happens in court?
Following orientation the youth who elect to enter JDC officially enter a plea of guilty to the charge(s). The judge then inquires as to the extent of drug use and other personal information is obtained. This is the arraignment process. Upon entry into JDC, the youth is scheduled for status reviews, at various intervals of the treatment process. This is to ensure program compliance, and if in non-compliant status, the youth is sanctioned accordingly to encourage positive behavior. Youth will be held accountable to be completely drug free; program and community resources will be exhausted.
Where is the court room located?
JDC is held on the 3rd floor in the Annex building of the court house, Judge Vivian Corvo, courtroom #23.
How long is the program?
6-12 months minimum, however, an individualized treatment plan is developed specifically for each child. Though it rarely occurs a child can be kept under the jurisdiction of JDC until his/her 19th birthday.
Upon completing the program what happens to the charge?
Youth who successfully complete the JDC program will receive an official order of dismissal and a graduation certificate. The youth is not convicted of a crime or delinquent act. The charge is dismissed through this process.
If already participating in a drug treatment program, is restarting treatment required upon attending his/her first appearance being arraigned into the Drug Court?
The youth who begin drug treatment prior to officially entering JDC at the Arraignment process receive credit for everything that he/she has done. A status report will be completed by the treatment provider and presented to the judge in court.
Do I need a lawyer to enter the Juvenile Drug Court program?
No, however, program entry requires signing a contract. An attorney can answer any legal questions the youth or parent may have.
If I enter JDC without an attorney, can I hire an attorney later in the process?
Yes, anyone charged with a criminal offense is entitled to have legal representation at any time they wish.
What if I cannot afford to hire an attorney?
The office of the Public Defender is available for individuals who cannot afford to hire an attorney. You must first be interviewed by that office to determine if you qualify for their services. The qualification requirements are based on household income. For indigent screening at the Public Defender's office feel free to call (813) 272-5980.
Adult Post-Adjudication FAQs
How does drug offender probation differ from regular probation?
Drug offender probation usually involves drug treatment, increased contact with the probation officer, more frequent urine screens and support group attendance.
Do I give up my legal rights by entering drug court?
No. You have the right to legal representation at every step of the process. You have the right to a hearing with counsel in the case of a violation of probation. However, a decision to litigate a case will result in a transfer to a regular felony court.
Can I drink alcohol while in drug court?
No. Alcohol is the single most abused drug in the world. It is also involved in many relapses on other drugs.
If I have been using up until my entry into drug court, will I be violated for a positive urine screen?
Not necessarily. If you report recent drug use to the drug court specialist or the judge, you will normally be allowed time for your body to clean itself. However, continued use after entering the program will result in sanctions.
Are there incentives to being in drug court?
Yes. If you maintain abstinence from drugs and compliance with other program requirements, you become eligible for early termination of program beginning at the halfway point.
Can drug court help me with problems other than substance abuse?
Yes. Individuals are regularly given referrals to programs that deal with medical, employment, mental health, education and other issues.
Family Dependency Treatment Court FAQs
What is the difference between Dependency Court and the Family Dependency Treatment Court (FDTC)?
The FDTC follows the case closely and monitors the entire case making sure that the parents and the children’s needs are being met. There are more frequent court appearances which provide the participants greater access to services, incentives and extra help achieving the goals of reunification. In the Dependency Court after the disposition (case plan hearing) the case is then scheduled for the next scheduled court appearance in front of the General Magistrate and not followed as closely by the division judge. The FDTC judge is aware of all areas of the case, is familiar with the struggles and successes of the participants and can make decisions regarding the case based on this knowledge.
Who are the key players in the FDTC?
The FDTC is comprised of a multi-disciplinary team of professionals that work in collaboration to ensure the participant is receiving the most appropriate services based on their needs. This team consists of: Judge, Court case managers/counselors, area substance abuse treatment providers, Hillsborough Kids Inc. (HKI), Guardian Ad Litim, Office of the Attorney General, Parents Attorneys and other service providers that may be involved in the participants case.
How long is this program?
There is no definite length to this program and the length of time you remain in this program is dependent on you. When there is addiction involved there can be a number of issues and concerns that need to be identified and dealt with before the reunification process begins. These cases do not usually follow the traditional plan of twelve months to permanency, but that does not mean it can not be achieved in that time frame. Once you complete treatment and are in substantial compliance with the HKI case plan reunification can be accomplished. The judge can decide when and if this occurs depending on the actions of the participants. When the participant has been granted reunification you will be successfully discharged from the FDTC and the case will be followed in the original division until protective services has been terminated (6 months from reunification).
What happens if I do not follow the orders of the court for treatment?
If the judge orders you to participate in a specific treatment program and you fail to attend or successfully complete, you will be served with an Order to Show Cause. The Order to Show Cause is designed to determine why you should not be held in contempt of court for failing to follow this courts order. This court allows you the opportunity to re-engage in the specified treatment program or if need be, referred to another program with the same stipulations to enter and successfully complete the identified program. If this behavior continues and it seems to the court that you are unwilling to participate in treatment, it may be suggested that this case be returned to the original division. The participant is then unsuccessfully discharged and scheduled a court date for the division judge to become aware of the status of this case. If reunification does not appear to be a viable goal, the division judge may ask HKI to staff the case to determine what changes to the case plan may be in order. This may jeopardize your chances of regaining custody of your child(ren).
13TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT 2009 All RIGHTS RESERVED