Drug Court
The Drug 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 (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 Drug Court program is 12 - 18-months, depending on the identified treatment track, with a continuum of care including substance abuse counseling, cognitive therapy, and judicial supervision progressing through four phases. This time table, however, is varied depending on the individual's motivation and attitude toward treatment goal compliance.
In addition, the program provides case management functions to assist with educational needs, employment opportunities, drug test monitoring, mental health referrals, trauma informed care and other ancillary services.
Additionally, each participant must attend multiple self help meetings weekly and obtain a sponsor, as needed. Monthly fees are required of all participants and a payment plan arrangement can be requested. The team meets weekly to staff each participant. Such things as rewards, sanctions, probation concerns, treatment progress, etc. are all part of the team discussions. The team recommendations are then brought before the presiding judge each week, prior to each court hearing. Drug Court is a voluntary intensive treatment program which requires a total commitment from every participant.
Upon successful completion of the program, the participant is eligible to apply to have the conviction expunged from their record in accordance with La.R.S. 13:5304.
Eligibility
The offender is charged with a violation of a statute of this state relating to the use and/or possession of any controlled dangerous substance or drug paraphernalia, or 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 drug 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.
The entire drug court team, including the Judge, the Drug Court Administrator, the Assistant District Attorney, the Public Defender and the Treatment Contractor all agree on the eligibility of the offender.
Entry Process
1. The defendant or his/her attorney must fill out a Referral Form that is available in all divisions of the 24th Judicial District Court. This form is forwarded to the Jefferson Parish 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 drug court office, to complete the application process.
3. The Drug Court team will then complete the clinical assessments to determine the appropriate treatment track and develop an individualized treatment plan.
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 DRUG 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
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
☎ CONTACT
Melissa C. Carter
Deputy Judicial Administrator
(504) 364-3478
Lobby Hours
Monday - Friday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM