Pubdate: Sat, 23 Mar 2002 Source: Kentucky New Era (KY) Copyright: 2002 Kentucky New Era Contact: http://www.kentuckynewera.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1628 Author: Melony Leazer Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?159 (Drug Courts) SPOTLIGHT SHINES ON 1ST GRADUATE OF DRUG COURT Half of Dorothy Fryerson's life had vanished when illegal drug use served as the center of her existence. Now at the age of 50, having just celebrated her birthday earlier this past week, the Hopkinsville resident has a new high. "I've got a new way of thinking now. I have a smile today," Fryerson proudly said. "I'm high. Not on drugs, but on life." Fryerson became the first graduate of the Christian County Drug Court earlier this week, having completed 58 weeks of intense treatment sessions. A ceremony on Wednesday was held for her before Drug Court cases were heard in Christian Circuit Court, with Judge Edwin M. White presiding. Fryerson received a plaque, in addition to other gifts from court officials for her accomplishment. Commonwealth's Attorney Rick Boling, for instance, presented the new graduate with a $20 bill. "I know now that money will be used for you, not for drug addiction," he said. Drug Court is a court-managed, drug intervention treatment program designed to provide a cost-effective alternative to traditional criminal case processing. "It's not the money we see, it's the lives we see affected by this program," White said. Nationally, drug courts have resulted in high success rates, court officials said. The effort was launched locally early last year, shortly after Fryerson was arrested in late 2000 for possession of drug paraphernalia. "I was the type of addict who would take anything to get high," Fryerson said. As soon as Fryerson learned of the opportunity, she started work to plot a new direction in her life. "I first prayed to God that I could get in this program. I knew I just didn't want it (drugs) anymore," she explained. "I finally woke up." For a defendant to participate in Drug Court, charges must be related to drug possession -- no drug trafficking or any other felonies. Defendants in the program see several authorities each week -- including the judge, case manager and probation officer. The constant contact between the drug user and the court is the underlying element for drug-free achievement. "A lot of these people don't have structure in their lives," said Al Meredith, a local parole officer who helps to oversee Drug Court defendants. "The first thing I suggest to them is get a day planner." Case resolutions also are quicker because of the weekly interactions. However, Drug Court is stricter and implements a "three-strikes" program when defendants commit major infractions. On a first offense during probation, a defendant may be lodged in the County Jail for up to two weeks. If an addict continues to use drugs while on probation, that person may be removed from the program entirely. "The relapse is almost expected," Meredith said. "But somehow, most of them manage to get over the fact that I'm there to help." The program may be completed successfully within one to two years. If a defendant is successful in the diversion track, the judge could set aside the guilty plea and the charge may be expunged from the criminal record. For a defendant performing well on probation, the drug offense may be discharged conditionally for the remainder of the probationary time. Court officials said two more individuals are expected to graduate from Drug Court in the near future. As for Fryerson, the road to recovery has been long and bumpy. In fact, there was a time when she even doubted herself. "That day you told me you wanted to go back to jail, it broke my heart," Janice Cunningham, case specialist for Drug Court, recalled to Fryerson. "I am so proud of you." Now today, Fryerson "looks like a million dollars," a comment made by several of her friends while congratulating her. Graduation from Drug Court, though, does not signify the end for Fryerson's addiction troubles. It only marks the beginning. "I'm still going to need some help. I hope they don't kick me out of the program quite yet," she said, with both tears and a smile. "I just take it one day at a time and pray." Fryerson received a standing ovation. - --- MAP posted-by: Ariel