ReElect Judge Chuck Snyder
Just What is Drug Court?
As the Drug Court Judge, I am often asked “Just what is Drug Court?” Besides being the most rewarding part of my job as a Judge, it is a program that provides a real chance to redeem a life. It saves lives, it saves money, and it makes us all safer.
Who Gets In To Drug Court?
A person charged with a felony crime can get into Drug Court if they meet certain requirements. First, their crime can’t be a violent crime, a sex offense or within other certain limits. They must apply and be approved by the Prosecuting Attorney, meet the standards of being chemically dependent, and agree to give up their right to a trial by jury. If they complete the program, their charge is dismissed, but if they fail, they can be found guilty quickly and without the cost or time required for a trial.
Drug Court Saves Lives
People who enter Drug Court have serious drug problems. They are usually chronically in trouble and getting high. Their personal well-being is at risk. They often have lost their families, jobs, friends and possessions.
If you came to one of our graduations you would see people transformed. They tell their stories and you soon realize that all of those things they had lost have been returned to them. A large box of tissues is a good thing to have at a graduation.
Let me give you an idea of the changes. One of our graduates had been a heroin user since 14, having been introduced to it by her parents. I had seen her in court since she first was taken from her parents’ home. She got into legal trouble and ran away from her foster homes regularly. By her early 20’s she was on the road to a very unpleasant and early death. Then she entered Drug Court. After nearly two years of work, struggle and a time of growing up, she now has been clean and sober for over five years, has her own children back, is working and supporting her own home. She is a productive, healthy citizen and mother. Drug Court saved her life.
How Does It Work?
Drug court requires a serious commitment. During the first months a participant has to:
- appear in court every Thursday,
- attend daily twelve-step meetings,
- face random urinalysis multiple times a week,
- live in clean and sober housing,
- attend group meetings.
- remain clean.
As they progress, they are expected to attend school, get a GED degree, or find a stable job. They engage in evidence-based programs that help them re-tool their thinking processes. As they progress their court appearances diminish, they can find their own housing, but they still must take steps to improve their lives. Using the camaraderie that develops within the Drug Court community, they find ways to get support for their new lifestyle.
If a participant breaks a Drug Court rule, there are immediate consequences, such as going right to jail for a day or two or working on the County work crew. When they get out, they may be directed to further treatment, sometimes for as long as six months. If they do well, the reward is more freedom and fewer requirements. They can be part of our Ski to Sea team or help others suffering from addiction.
Why Does It Work?
Drug Court works because it is intense, supportive, strict and requires taking responsibility. As the Judge, I must make sure that everyone in Drug Court completes every requirement. Because of that each graduate has learned how to live another kind of life - a responsible life, a healthy life. This is why it succeeds, and I have seen it work miracles.