As of May 2001, there were 438 adults, 158 juvenile, 38 family and a combination adult/juvenile/family drug courts in operation with an additional 432 drug courts in the planning process.2
Over 300,000 drug-using offenders have participated in drug court programs since their inception in 1989. In 1997, the Government Accounting office reported that 71% of all offenders entering drug courts since 1989 have either successfully completed their drug court program or are currently actively participating in their program.3
Incarceration of drug-using offenders costs between $20,000 and $50,000 per person per year. The capital costs of building a prison cell can be as much as $80,000. In contrast, a comprehensive drug court system typically costs less than $2,500 annually for each offender.1
In 2000, drug offenders accounted for 21% of sentenced State inmates and 57% of sentenced Federal inmates.1
With Three-Strikes-You're-Out statutes proliferating and long-term incarceration for serious offenders increasing, drug court programs are needed to free up limited jail space for serious criminals.3
Drug use is substantially reduced among defendants while they are participating in drug court programs. For most participants who graduate from the programs (ranging from 50% to 65%), drug use is eliminated altogether.1
Researchers estimate that more than 50% of defendants convicted of a drug possession will recidivate within 2 to 3 years. Recidivism among all drug court participants has ranged from 5-28% and less than 4% for drug court graduates.1
Drug court participants undergo long-term treatment and counseling, sanctions, incentives, and frequent court appearances. Successful completion of the treatment program results in dismissal of the charges, reduced or set aside sentences, lesser penalties, or a combination of these. Most importantly, graduating participants gain the necessary tools to rebuild their lives.1
Research Excerpts
"Drug courts will not solve the drug problem or eliminate crime. But if they offer a comprehensive treatment continuum, solid case management, and meaningful immediate sanctions, they can have a major effect on public safety. They are a powerful tool for addressing the criminal behavior of people who commit disproportionately large numbers of crimes."4
"Simple math suggest their crime-reduction potential. An individual who has an out-of control addiction commits about 63 crimes a year. Assuming this could be reduced to 10 for someone who is in or has completed treatment, and multiplying it by the 200 offenders in Delaware's probation revocation track who comply with all requirements, a single drug court may prevent more than 10,000 crimes each year."4
Media Quotes
"Drug courts have been part of a nationwide trend to treat low-level drug offenders rather than lock them up. The Washington State Institute for Public Policy found that in the other counties, offenders who opted for treatment-based drug court rather than criminal prosecution were about 13 percent less likely to end up committing another crime. Drug-court programs across the nation have shown a similar 13 percent drop."5
"Prosecutors, defense lawyers, police officials, politicians -- and, especially, addicts who cleaned up their lives -- have proudly praised the program for years. 'We have witnessed drug court achieve some amazing results,' Prosecutor Norm Maleng said yesterday. 'It saves lives, one at a time.' Attorney Victoria Foedisch, felony supervisor for The Defender Association, said drug court 'is extremely valuable. It's something we definitely have to keep in the community.' Beatrice Komotios said it helped her take control of her heroin addiction two years ago. She remembers too well losing all contact with her children, getting arrested for crimes such as theft and living in a car for three long years. Drug court 'has given me a life,' the 43-year-old Seattle woman said yesterday. 'I'm so thankful I got the opportunity.'"5
