Pubdate: Tue, 30 Oct 2001
Source: Beacon Journal, The (OH)
Copyright: 2001 The Beacon Journal Publishing Co.
Contact:  http://www.ohio.com/bj/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/6
Author: Stephanie Warsmith

DRUG OFFENDERS OFFERED AMNESTY

Akron Judge Provides Court Dropouts Another Chance To Get Treatment

Akron's drug court gives addicts a second chance.

If they complete the one-year program, the charge against them is dismissed.

Now, the judge who presides over drug court wants to give those who dropped 
out yet another opportunity to get back on track.

Judge Marvin Shapiro has deemed November an amnesty month for drug court 
dropouts.

About 150 people who failed to complete drug court -- and who currently 
have contempt warrants on file -- will get letters in the mail from Shapiro 
this week.

The letter explains that during the next month, offenders can rejoin Akron 
Municipal Court's drug court without facing any penalties. Normally, those 
who drop out and later rejoin the program are required to serve 30 days in 
jail and 60 days at a halfway house.

``I think many people are scared of the jail time and halfway house time 
and are willing to take their chances on the street,'' Shapiro said. ``We'd 
like to decrease the number of people with warrants and get these people 
back into treatment.''

About 1,200 people have taken part in drug court since it was started in 
1995. The program is offered to mostly first-time drug offenders, who are 
users and not dealers. By the end, if participants can remain drug-free for 
90 days, they get a diploma and their drug abuse charge is dropped.

But during the six years of the program, many participants have strayed. 
Now they have a contempt charge hanging over them and the possibility that 
- -- if they are arrested for something else -- they may have to serve the 
original 180-day sentence for their drug charge.

``Sooner or later, we catch up with these folks,'' said Shapiro, who 
recently saw a drug court dropout at the police station. ``If they want to 
deal with their addiction, this is their opportunity.''

The judge said the amount of time those who rejoin will have to spend in 
drug court will depend on how much of the program they completed before 
dropping out.

Those interested in taking advantage of the amnesty offer can show up for 
drug court any Tuesday afternoon during November. They also may call Hope 
Factor, who coordinates the program, for more information. Her number is 
330-996-2225.
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