Program Description
The Adult Drug Pretrial Intervention Court was established to allow first-time drug offenders the opportunity to avoid having a felony conviction on their record. Any person over the age of 18 who has not had a prior felony or pretrial intervention episode is eligible provided they waive their right to a speedy trial, admit to having a drug problem and express a desire for treatment.
After completing a background check, the defendant signs a contract in which he or she agrees to complete a drug treatment program and the State Attorney's Office agrees to drop the charges upon completion of that program.
The core treatment program is a year in length and provided by the DACCO agency. It involves group and individual counseling, urine screens, support group attendance and acupuncture. Initially, clients spend approximately nine hours per week in treatment. The amount of treatment gradually decreases as the client progresses. Defendants are also required to meet regularly with a Department of Corrections Probation Officer and attend case reviews in front of the judge. Should the DACCO program prove insufficient to address an individual's drug problem, more intense programs are available.
Over the years, the DPTI program has proven to be highly successful in helping individuals with drug problems, reducing recidivism and allowing clients to become productive members of the community.
13TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT 2008 All RIGHTS RESERVED