COURT HELPS JUVENILES IN DRUG TROUBLE

When Rica Collins was charged last year with selling cocaine, the Vero
Beach resident was referred to a diversionary court program that offered
him a chance to avoid prison.

He is one of more than 1,000 people in Indian River, Martin and St. Lucie
counties referred to drug court since 2001 when the 19th Circuit first
offered the option.

Drug court in Florida was developed as a way to both free up court dockets
and prison beds and help people with substance abuse problems.

Unlike most of those referred to the program, Collins completed the drug
court program and had the charge removed from his record Wednesday.

"Wow. What a feeling," he said, accepting handshakes and hugs at a
graduation ceremony at the Indian River County Courthouse.

Martin County started its drug court program in February 2001, which was
followed by another in St. Lucie County in November 2001 and one more in
Indian River County in May 2002.

All three counties also have drug court programs for juveniles. Only
non-violent, first-time drug offenders qualify.

The majority of people referred to the program decline to participate,
choosing to go through the more traditional felony circuit court, which is
faster and does not require frequent court appearances, counseling sessions
and random drug tests, said program Director Cathy Buzzolani. Others are
ineligible, move away or flunk out.

Sanctions are imposed when someone is late to court, misses appointments or
fails drug tests. Penalties include writing an essay to the team,
performing community service, serving jail time or expulsion from the program.

There was a time when the team of lawyers, police and probation officers
working with the drug court thought Collins would flunk out, Judge Cynthia
Cox said Wednesday.

Collins tested positive for drug use twice at the start of the program,
spent brief stays in jail, and told his counselor he was dropping out.

"I went in her office and said I wanted to quit. She wouldn't let me. She
said she was still behind me and would help," he said.

With the support of the team and the roofing company that employs him,
Collins stuck with the program, fulfilled his obligations and paid fees for
his tests and evaluations.

"No more court. No more meetings. No more missing no work. I'm going to
work all day," Collins said Wednesday. "I'm going to be walking the
straight line, staying out of trouble."