THE RIGHT APPROACH

Drug Courts Emphasize Helping Felons Kick Drug Habit That Led To Their Crimes

In drug courts throughout the state, the emphasis is on helping convicted
felons kick the habit that led them to crime instead of just punishing them.

And it's working. For those who successfully complete the program, only
about 4 percent soon return to a life of crime. Compared to a recidivism of
46 percent for all first-time offenders paroled in Kentucky, that makes
drug courts a wise investment.

Greenup County Circuit Court Judge Lewis Nicholls conducted his first drug
court session this week. Boyd County Circuit Court Judge Marc Rosen plans
to initiate a drug court later this month.

Although the probation terms vary somewhat from county to county, all drug
courts essentially offer convicted felons with drug problems immediate
probation if they enroll in and faithfully attend a drug treatment
program, prove that they are drug-free by undergoing regular drug testing,
are gainfully employed, are a full-time student or doing community service
work, and if they make restitution to the victims of their crimes.

The "carrot" is if they successfully meet the terms of their probation,
they will not serve any time for their crime. The "stick" is that if they
flunk a drug test of fail to live up to other terms of their probation,
they go immediately to jail.

Drug courts do not work for everyone. Some can't kick their drug habit or
adhere to the terms of their probation. But for those who do complete the
program, the odds of living a drug-free, productive life are greatly enhanced.

Conducting drug courts adds to the work load of judges, and we commend
those like Nicholls and Rosen who are willing to take the time to attack
the source of the problem and not just the crime. Drugs are a major cause
of crimes in this country. Helping addicts kick the habit is the best way
to assure they will not return to a life of crime.