Pubdate: Tue, 21 Oct 2003 Source: Huntsville Times (AL) Copyright: 2003 The Huntsville Times Contact: http://www.htimes.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/730 Author: David Holden ADULT DRUG COURT OFF TO GOOD START Judge encouraged by eight of 10 negative tests in first session The first session of the Madison County Adult Drug Court went smoothly Monday, according to court officers. "There were a few administrative kinks, but they will be worked out," said Kim Thurston, drug court coordinator. Madison County is the sixth judicial circuit to create the special court, which allows nonviolent drug offenders to plead guilty and later see the charges dropped if they complete the program. According to national studies, about 15 percent of drug court participants repeat their crimes, compared to 50 percent to 60 percent for defendants sentenced to prison without treatment and other programs, Rizzardi said. The drug court is voluntary and participation in the program is limited. Defendants charged with distributing or possessing excessive amounts of drugs will not be eligible. Offenders with a violent criminal past will also be excluded from the program. All but two of the 10 defendants entering the program Monday tested negative for drug use, Thurston said. "Those people know that they will have to maintain their sobriety throughout the remainder of the program," she said. The participants in the program will be assessed by a court referral officer to see what type of treatment and other services they need to succeed, Thurston said. District Judge Martha Lynn Sherrod said she is encouraged by the results of Monday morning's first session of adult drug court. "They all demonstrated that they have a commitment to maintaining sobriety," she said. Sherrod presides over the adult and the family drug courts. Substance abuse Three-fourths of crimes that end up in Circuit Court can be linked to some type of substance abuse, said Assistant Don Rizzardi. The adult drug court will eventually reduce that figure, he said. "If we can get the addicts off drugs and alcohol, I believe we can curb the crime rate in this community," he said. "This is why our office and District Attorney Tim Morgan stand behind the adult drug court." Those who opt for drug court must agree to plead guilty to the crime. Their sentences will be deferred until they complete, drop out, or are dropped from the program. Those who drop out or cannot finish the program face a prison sentence. Some of those who entered the program Monday face, if they return to Circuit Court, sentences ranging from five to 15 years in prison, Thurston said. Treatment, rehabilitation The program emphasizes treatment and rehabilitation, said defense attorney Robin Clem. Offenders go through a multistep program that may include help for those wishing to obtain a high school graduation equivalency diploma, or GED, find jobs and other assistance. Upon completion (which typically takes 12 to 18 months), offenders go back to the judge who took their plea and ask that the case dismissed. "The program gives people a chance for a new start," Clem said. Sherrod regarded Monday's first docket as a "get acquainted session" for everyone. "We are going to be working together for a long time," she said. - --- MAP posted-by: Josh