DRUG COURTS OFFER WELCOME OPTION

Drug courts are becoming a more widely used alternative to a prison
sentence or probation for drug offenders, and the programs have found some
strong support for some involved in prosecuting these crimes.

Marshall County District Attorney Steve Marshall says he believes drug
court - which combines community-based substance abuse treatment and
ongoing criminal justice supervision with random drug testing - saves the
court system money and can save lives.

With drug court, offenders can get treatment and if they are successful
will see the criminal charge against them dismissed.

But if they do not stay off drugs, offenders still face the prospect of a
criminal conviction and incarceration.

Etowah and DeKalb counties have drug court as an option. In Etowah,
however, District Attorney James Hedgspeth says some defendants say they
cannot pay the fees required.

We hope that changes in the future. Drug court gives people a chance to
make positive changes and clear their record if they clean up their
situation. The second chance definitely should be worth the fee.