DRUG OFFENDERS OFFERED AMNESTY

Akron Judge Provides Court Dropouts Another Chance To Get Treatment

Akron's drug court gives addicts a second chance.

If they complete the one-year program, the charge against them is dismissed.

Now, the judge who presides over drug court wants to give those who dropped
out yet another opportunity to get back on track.

Judge Marvin Shapiro has deemed November an amnesty month for drug court
dropouts.

About 150 people who failed to complete drug court -- and who currently
have contempt warrants on file -- will get letters in the mail from Shapiro
this week.

The letter explains that during the next month, offenders can rejoin Akron
Municipal Court's drug court without facing any penalties. Normally, those
who drop out and later rejoin the program are required to serve 30 days in
jail and 60 days at a halfway house.

``I think many people are scared of the jail time and halfway house time
and are willing to take their chances on the street,'' Shapiro said. ``We'd
like to decrease the number of people with warrants and get these people
back into treatment.''

About 1,200 people have taken part in drug court since it was started in
1995. The program is offered to mostly first-time drug offenders, who are
users and not dealers. By the end, if participants can remain drug-free for
90 days, they get a diploma and their drug abuse charge is dropped.

But during the six years of the program, many participants have strayed.
Now they have a contempt charge hanging over them and the possibility that
- -- if they are arrested for something else -- they may have to serve the
original 180-day sentence for their drug charge.

``Sooner or later, we catch up with these folks,'' said Shapiro, who
recently saw a drug court dropout at the police station. ``If they want to
deal with their addiction, this is their opportunity.''

The judge said the amount of time those who rejoin will have to spend in
drug court will depend on how much of the program they completed before
dropping out.

Those interested in taking advantage of the amnesty offer can show up for
drug court any Tuesday afternoon during November. They also may call Hope
Factor, who coordinates the program, for more information. Her number is
330-996-2225.