DRUG COURTS BILL HEADS TO CORZINE'S DESK

The state Senate today gave final passage to a bill that would make
it easier for drug offenders to get into a special probation program
that allows them to avoid prison time by entering rehab.

"For many drug offenders, treatment is far more successful than
incarceration in preventing repeat offenses," said the bill's
sponsor, Sen. John Adler (D-Camden). "The drug courts are a valuable
tool in New Jersey's crime prevention efforts. They allow us to
focus on helping sick people get well and save our prison space for
real criminals."

The bill (A1770/S233) was approved by the Assembly last month and
now goes to Gov. Jon Corzine, who has been supportive of the use and
expansion of drug courts, said spokesman Jim Gardner. Corzine has
included $7 million in next year's budget for the expansion of drug
courts as well as the state's intensive supervision program.

The legislation would make four changes to the current law,
including amending eligibility criteria to allow more offenders to
apply for drug court.

It would also allow judges to determine if the initial six-month
treatment should be in-patient or non-residential after a substance
abuse evaluation, allow them to end the 5-year probation term early
for "exemplary progress" and allow them to reduce fines after
successful completion.