DWI Court

The DWI Court program is a court supervised, intensive treatment concept available only to the nonviolent offender. Before an individual is accepted into the program, they must submit to a legal screening and clinical assessment. The Jefferson Parish District Attorney’s Office is the gatekeeper of legal eligibility. The legal screening involves a thorough research of the individual's rap sheets and details of all prior arrests. The clinical assessment is done through the use of the Risk and Needs Assessment Triage- DUI (DUI-RANT), ASI (Addiction Severity Index), PTSD Screen, and the TCUDS-V. The RANT outcome will qualify the defendant for a specialized treatment track, Track 1 - 4, based on risk and need. The additional assessment outcomes will assist the clinician in development of an individualized treatment plan.

The length of the DWI Treatment Court program is a minimum of 18 months, which varies depending on the individual’s motivation and attitude toward their sobriety. It consists of a continuum of care throughout compliance phases and treatment levels, and includes the following services: judicial supervision, random drug screens, 24-hour alcohol monitoring, treatment groups, individual sessions, incidental and monthly financial obligations, self-help meetings, court appearances, and more. The program also assists with educational, employment, and some mental health needs. The DWI Treatment Court team meets weekly to staff each participant. Such things as rewards, sanctions, probation concerns, treatment progress, etc. are all part of the DWI Treatment team discussions. The team recommendations are then brought before the judges each week prior to each court hearing.

NOTE: Upon acceptance into the DWI Treatment Court, the defendant’s driver’s license will be suspended until they are eligible to petition for a hardship license. Once given permission to obtain a hardship license by the DWI Court Judge, the defendant will first be required to have an Ignition Interlock installed in the vehicle, as well as SR22 insurance.

Eligibility

The offender is charged with a violation of a statute of this state relating to a 3rd or 4th offense Driving While Intoxicated charge, and there is significant relationship between the substance use and the crime.

The offender is a substance abuser who may be at risk for addiction by habitual use of alcohol and/or other drugs and such use may be to the extent that it endangers the health, safety, or welfare of that person or any other person or group of persons.

The District Attorney has reason to believe that the individual who is charged suffers from alcohol or drug addiction and based upon his criminal record recommends him to the DWI Treatment Court program.

A licensed clinician, upon screening, deems the offender clinically appropriate to benefit from drug treatment. Referrals for mental health services may also be made at that time.

ENTRY PROCESS

(1) The defendant or his/her attorney must fill out a Referral Form. This form is forwarded to the District Attorney’s Office for initial approval.

(2) After approval from the District Attorney, the defendant is then notified, either through his/her attorney or by the DWI Court office, to complete the assessment process.

(3) The DWI Court team will then complete the clinical assessments to determine whether this individual can benefit from the DWI Court Treatment program.

(4) The defendant will then appear before the Court to voluntarily plead under R.S 13:5304 as required by state statute.

BENEFITS OF THE DWI COURT PROGRAM

Upon successful completion of the treatment program, the participant may benefit in a number of ways:

·                 A clean and sober life

·                 Individualized Treatment

·                 The ability to achieve a stable lifestyle

·                 Preparation for gainful employment and furthering educational skills

·                 A lifetime opportunity to participate in recovery support groups

·                 Treatment and education for recovery

·                 Regain independence and rebuild family relationships

·                 Regain driving privileges

The most important benefit available to the participant is the opportunity to be reunited with the community as a contributing member of society.  Benefits of successful completion also include the possibility to have the remaining balance of probation terminated as well as the opportunity to have the charge expunged, if eligible.

➤ LOCATION

Salvador Liberto Building
802 Second Street
Gretna, LA 70053

Lobby Hours

Monday - Friday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM