The Kitsap County Adult Drug Court is a treatment based program
for adults who are charged with certain felony crimes and facing criminal
prosecution. The purpose of the program is to offer non-traditional and
individualized treatment for chemical dependency as an alternative to criminal prosecution. The program features a team approach to rigorous
treatment, coordinated with intensive supervision, random drug and alcohol
testing, regular and frequent court appearances and educational
opportunities. A combination of rewards and sanctions are utilized to
motivate and encourage participants toward recovery. The participant's
progression through the various phases of the program is appropriate
recognized. The Drug Court Program is approximately one year in duration
but may be longer depending on the progress of the participant. Upon
successful completion of the program, the court will dismiss the criminal
charges with prejudice.
To qualify for the Drug Court Program, the participant's level
of substance dependence must be such that treatment and education will
substantially benefit the candidate and the community.
After screening for eligibility and suitability, participants
may enter the Drug Court Program prior to entering a plea upon execution of the
appropriate Drug Court Waivers and Contracts. This process is essentially
a deferred adjudication model.
Failure of the participant to abide by the terms of the Drug
Court Program will result in immediate prosecution for the underlying offense or
offenses. There will be no trial as the participant will have stipulated
to the Drug Court Judge reviewing the police reports as the sole means of
determining guilt or innocence.
Who is Eligible for Drug Court? Only adults who are charged with limited felonies and/or certain
felony probation violations are eligible for the Drug Court Program. The
adults must have a history of drug or alcohol dependency and meet certain
criteria of the Kitsap County Prosecuting Attorney's Office.
How are Adults Referred to Drug Court?
The Prosecuting Attorney determines whether to offer a potential
drug court adult the opportunity to participate in the program. The first
inquiry is whether the defendant is charged with an eligible offense and second,
whether the defendant is an appropriate candidate. The defense attorney
examines the legal issues and explains the Drug Court alternative to criminal
prosecuting. If the Prosecuting Attorney, the defense attorney and the
potential candidate wish to pursue the Drug Court Program, the referral is
complete.
How Does the Adult Drug Court Work?
The eligible participant is referred to the Drug Court
The participant receives orientation from the Drug Court Judge and the
Drug Court Coordinator to determine whether there is interest in the
program.
The participant will next undergo an evaluation for chemical dependency,
including suitability for treatment and willingness to enter and complete
the program.
The participant will begin intensive Drug Court treatment consistent with
the treatment plan developed for the participant.
If the participant successfully completes the treatment program, the
criminal case is dismissed.
How Much Does it Cost? There is a fee of $1,500 for participation in the Drug Court Program. Drug Court participants will not be denied treatment services
based on their financial circumstances. Payment for treatment services
will be based on ability to pay, availability of medical coupons and of private
insurance.
Who is the Drug Court Team The Prosecutor, the Defense Attorney, together with the Drug Court Judge, the
Drug Court Coordinator, Treatment Provider, Clerk and Court Reporter constitute
the Drug Court Team. The Drug Court Team is unique to the courtroom
setting. The key is a non-adversarial relationship between members of the
team. This approach stems from the supposition that all team members share
the common goal of reducing the drug dependence and criminal activities of the
participants. The Adult Drug Court Judge is the Honorable Jay B. Roof.
