Drug court is a specialty court that handles cases involving non-violent drug-using offenders through intensive supervision, case management, treatment, chemical testing and graduated sanctions and incentives. While drug courts vary, all share an underlying premise that drug use is not simply a law enforcement or criminal justice problem, but a public health problem with roots deep in society.
Drug court is a team approach that brings together a number of professionals:
- Judges
- Prosecutors
- Treatment professionals
- Probation officers
- Law enforcement
- Substance Abuse experts
Personal accountability and honesty is an important aspect of drug court. The program rules are clearly defined and outlined in a handbook that is provided to each participant. A combination of rewards and sanctions are used to motivate and encourage participants toward recovery.