COUNTY CONSIDERING DRUG COURT

ALBION - Orleans County is considering a new drug court designed to help
substance abusers "break the cycle of addiction," county officials said.

If the court is approved by the County Legislature, town justices will be
empowered to refer cases to the new court.

Meanwhile, legislators have raised concerns about both funding and the
possible erosion of judicial power from the towns.

"The drug court has met with wide acceptance throughout the country," said
Joseph Cardone, Orleans County district attorney. "We realize there is some
expense to that."

Cardone said the drug court would operate during night hours at the Orleans
County Courthouse.

Under the plan, the county would apply for a three-year federal grant worth
$129,534 each year and for $44,000 in county funding.

He estimated that the court could handle 10 to 15 cases in the first year.
Defendants not eligible for court intervention would be alleged sexual
abusers and those accused of using a weapon or other acts of violence.

Cardone said people referred to the court could be eligible for at least
one court appointment a week. The court would be empowered to require drug
tests of the defendants, who could be under the court's jurisdiction for up
to 16 months.

Cardone, who also said a drug court coordinator would have to be hired,
pointed to a similar court in Buffalo that is credited with helping the
city save $6.3 million.

Legislators say they need more time to study the issue, even though the
deadline to apply for federal money is May 22.

"There is going to be an impact on the towns' budgets," said Richard
Bennett, county legislator. "How is that going to impact? I'd hate to have
10 supervisors on my case."

"We are taking over the responsibilities that they are doing in town
courts," Bennett added.