Workshop: DUI and Drug Courts
Date: Sunday August 26th, 2007
Chair:
Doug Haake, Washington State Administrator of the Courts (T2007@wsp.wa.gov)
The goal of this workshop is to provide participants with a road map to establishing a DUI/Drug court program in their jurisdiction, by identifying the necessary resources, expected roadblocks, means of demonstrating the success of their programs, and a network of resources in established and successful programs in the United States and Europe.
Drug and DUI courts are a proven strategy in improving judicial efficiency, reducing recidivism, special courts given the responsibility of handling cases involving alcohol and drug abusing offenders, that pay specific attention to the comprehensive supervision, alcohol and drug testing, treatment services and immediate sanctions and incentives that are a part of successful intervention and rehabilitation of offenders.
Over 1,600 drug courts are either planned or in existence in the United States, and there is a great deal of bi-partisan interest in drug courts across the nation. Drug court programs bring together all the components of the criminal justice system (judges, prosecutors, defense counsel, substance abuse treatment specialists, interlock providers, probation officers, law enforcement and correctional personnel, educational and vocational experts, community leaders and others), providing clear choices and incentives for the offender to deal with his or her substance abuse problem. In addition, drug courts ensure consistency in judicial decision-making and enhance the coordination of agencies and resources, increasing the cost effectiveness of programs.
This full day program will look at how drug court programs are successfully put together, what the evidence is for their success measured both by compliance, recidivism, and successful completion of mandated programs.
Speakers will include judges, court administrators, prosecutors, defense attorneys, alcohol and drug counselors, and traffic safety researchers about their various roles and the spirit of cooperation and emphasis on the offender which offers the greatest chances of success. The program will also consider issues such as eligibility, costs, impacts on jails, and public perception.