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.