DISORDER IN THE COURT

One of the best success stories in local justice could be sunk for lack of
money in the state's budget.

It would be a shame to put an end to New Hanover County's successful Drug
Treatment Court, which since 1996 has helped addicts put their lives back
together and stay out of prison.

This system saves lives and tax money.

People who end up in court because of drug-induced problems can be put into
the program, where they can get treatment and be supervised by a team that
includes a judge, assistant district attorney, defense lawyer, probation
officer, a drug treatment officer and a case manager.

It's the most intensive supervision outside of prison, but it still costs a
fraction of what it takes to lock people away.

It produces success stories from people who managed to overcome addictions
and return to productive lives.

A state Senate budget plan deleted money for the court. The legislature
needs to find a way to restore this money for mending lives.