7 GRADUATE FROM DRUG COURT

Daviess Circuit Judge Tom Castlen has been more than a judge to Tim Collier.

Over the past 52 weeks Castlen has been both counselor and mentor to
Collier, one of the first people to go through the Daviess Drug Court program.

Collier said he often called Castlen at home when he was depressed, and
Castlen always helped.

It has developed into a relationship usually not thought of between judge
and offender.

So it was no surprise to see Collier giving Castlen a big hug Monday during
drug court graduation ceremonies.

Collier, 34, was one of seven graduates to be honored Monday at the Daviess
County Judicial Center. They are the first to complete the new program.

Drug court is an alternative for at-risk users convicted of drug-related
offenses. Instead of serving jail time, offenders are placed in the 52-week
program, which includes drug testing and counseling, as well as meeting
once a week at the judicial center before Castlen. Participants must hold a
steady job and attend every counseling session and meeting before Castlen
to complete the program.

Other graduates included Chris Darity, Neil Payne, Toni Boone, Scott
Basham, Somer Clark and Rodney Payne.

Collier credits the drug court program with saving his life, a life
burdened with drug abuse over the past 20 years.

"Once I was in the program, my life started to make sense and I was given a
sense of hope," Collier said. "It took me off the streets and showed me I
could accomplish something. This is the first time I've ever accomplished
anything clean."

Neil Payne, 27, was grateful he was placed into the drug court program
instead of jail. He knew he couldn't be treated for his addiction to
marijuana behind bars.

"This program has really helped me trust the system more," Neil Payne said.
"I now have more confidence in myself and I'm gaining my weight back. This
shows that we are good people who need a little help and don't need to be
in jail."

Kentucky Supreme Court Chief Justice Joseph E. Lambert, who attended the
ceremony Monday to honor the graduates, said seeing the seven graduates
shows the program works.

Lambert spoke out against critics of the program who believe drug court is
nothing more than a way to stay out of jail.

"Some see this as a 'Get out of Jail Free' card but this is a very tough
program, and the rewards are extraordinary."

Castlen said he's developed a close relationship with all the graduates. "I
didn't expect to grow so fond of the participants and develop such an
affection for them, but I talked to a lot of the other family court judges
around the state and they experience the same thing," Castlen said.