Nevada Drug Court Celebrates 20th Anniversary

January 09, 2013

Nevada drug court celebrates 20th anniversary

The Nevada court system recently celebrated the 20th anniversary of the establishment of its drug courts. The celebration highlighted the enormous gains made by both the participants in drug court and the state.

20 years of drug court in Nevada

The ceremony was held in October at the Regional Justice Center in Las Vegas. It featured a keynote speech by the Nevada Supreme Court Chief Justice, who stated, that compared to other court programs, the Nevada drug courts boast the highest impact on the criminal justice system, the prison system and crime in general.

He highlighted the benefits of Nevada's drug court program, including cost-savings and giving those dependent on drugs and alcohol a chance to start over and reunite with their families. He claimed the success of the drug court program demonstrates that treatment courts clearly work in Nevada, and that they are now an essential part of the state justice system.

Nevada currently has 46 specialty courts. Specialty courts, such as drug court, provide realistic options for both the participants and the justice system. Drug courts are now available in every county in Nevada to both felony and misdemeanor offenders.

The drug court program has over 5,000 successful graduates and at least 600 babies born drug free. Additionally, statistics from certain counties show that over 70 percent of graduates do not end up committing other crimes. That fact amounts to a savings of over $40 million for the court system.

Overview and benefits of drug court programs

Drug courts are the most effective method for treating drug addicted individuals. Eligible individuals are sent to drug court instead of receiving traditional punishment.

Participants in the program are closely monitored and regularly appear before a judge to give progress reports. This accountability and oversight are important aspects of drug court since studies show that if drug addicted offenders are not regularly supervised and held responsible, 70 percent will drop out of treatment early.

There are many benefits to drug courts. Drug courts:
-Reduce drug use
-Reduce crime
-Reunite families
-Restore lives
-Save money

Drug courts work better than jail or prison, as well as treatment alone. Statistics show that 75 percent of drug court graduates remain arrest-free for at least two years after completing a program.

Additionally, drug courts save between $3,000 and $13,000 per client. Cost savings are reflected in reduced prison costs, arrests and trials. Drug courts also strengthen family relationships. Parents in drug court are twice as likely to complete treatment, and their children spend considerably less time in out-of-home placements.

An individual charged with a drug crime can face serious and long term consequences. An experienced Las Vegas criminal defense attorney can provide knowledge and guidance, including helping an individual gain entry into the drug court program if that is his or her desired goal.

Article provided by Dean Y. Kajioka
Visit us at http://www.kajiokalaw.com/