Drug Court

The Drug Court is a volunteer program offered to persons who qualify for specialized drug treatment programming while on community control supervision.

The Court understands substance use plays a large role in many crimes, impacts many lives, and wants to deal with the underlying cause of some of the crimes committed in this county by connecting persons who have committed crimes directly or indirectly related to their substance use with needed treatment and other life services. In doing this, the Court hopes to help people make a permanent and positive change in their lives to prevent further criminal activity and court involvement.

Supreme Court of Ohio Specialized Docket Certification

Link to Local Court Rule 3.15: Creation of Specialized Docket: Drug Court

Contact information: Drug Court Coordinator Brandy Tiell 419-424-7085

Program Goals

  • Decrease the number of Drug Court participants who re-offend following completion of the Drug Court.
  • Increase the number of Drug Court successful completions.
  • Reduce jail, prison, and/or institution bed days.

Benefits

  • Learning how to enjoy a clean and sober lifestyle.
  • Improved personal relationships.
  • Reduce negative interactions with peers and the criminal justice system.
  • Potential reduction in time on supervision (probation).
  • Overall healthier lifestyle.

The Process

  • You must be Screened for Eligibility by the Drug Court Coordinator located at the Adult Probation Department 514 South Main Street Findlay, Ohio.
  • You must obtain a Clinical Assessment Screening by a Certified Provider.
  • You must review the Participant Handbook and agree to all program rules.
  • If accepted, the Treatment team makes a recommendation to enter into the program.
  • A Court hearing is scheduled to formally enter into the program.
  • With your Defense Attorney, you will review the Participant Agreement and sign a journal entry.

Eligibility

The following criteria will be considered for the Drug Court Program:

Eligible

  • Current charge is community control sanction eligible.
  • Offender is charged with a felony offense of the 3rd, 4th, or 5th degree.
  • Offender is charged with a drug charge or a drug-driven charge.
  • Offender is charged with an offense that does not carry a mandatory prison sentence.
  • Offender is charged with a non-violent offense and does not have a history of violent behavior.
  • Offender is capable of participating in and completing the program. Serious patterns and symptoms of criminality, violence, mental illness, or intellectual disability may preclude program participation.
  • Offender demonstrates an interest in and willingness to participate in a 12-18 month treatment program.
  • Offender would benefit from drug and/or alcohol treatment.
  • Offender must have an established Hancock County residence.
  • Offender is charged with an offense that is not defined as a sex-related offense (per Ohio Revised Code (ORC) and there is no history of sex-related offenses (to be determined on a case-by-case basis).

Not Eligible

  • The charge is related to the use of a firearm or deadly weapon (to be determined on a case-by-case basis).
  • The defendant is known to be, or appears to be, primarily a drug trafficker as evidenced by the defendant's criminal history (to be determined on a case-by-case basis).
  • The defendant has a consistent history of revocations, failures to appear, non-compliance issues, failed treatment experiences, and/or a poor history of supervision.
  • Out-of-county pending cases where a resolution is not forthcoming and would exclude participation.

Participants Responsibilities

  • A participant is expected to adhere to the following.
  • Abstain from alcohol/drug use.
  • Attend status review hearings.
  • Attend sessions with treatment providers.
  • Follow all treatment recommendations.
  • Attend sessions with coordinator/case manager.
  • Comply with program requirements.
  • Submit to frequent, random and observed alcohol and drug screens.
  • Comply with sanctions for infractions.
  • Obtain/maintain employment.
  • Obtain GED if applicable.
  • Engage in self-help activities/groups.
  • No further violations of the law.

Treatment Summary

  • Participants are assessed and placed in treatment services and programs.
  • Participants will receive a treatment plan based on their individual needs that will incorporate evidence-based strategies.
  • Drug Court treatment plans take into consideration services that are gender-responsive, culturally appropriate, and effectively address co-occurring disorders.
  • Participants shall have access to a continuum of approved treatment and rehabilitation services.
  • Treatment plans continue to develop to reflect the participant's changing needs based on program progress.
  • All treatment and programming will be provided by appropriately trained programs or persons.