Fourteenth Judicial Circuit of Florida

Bay Court Adult Drug Court

WHAT IS THE GOAL OF DRUG COURT ?

The primary goal of Drug Court is to rehabilitate drug offenders, prevent recidivism, and reunite families involved in dependency cases. Offenders who receive effective treatment are less likely to break the law in the future and treatment is more effective when supported by the court’s authority. By reducing recidivism and re-arrest rates we avoid expenses incurred by all agencies. The Bay County Drug Court assists participants in living drug-free lifestyles and becoming more productive members of the community.

THE THREE PHASES OF BAY COUNTY DRUG COURT FOR ADULT FELONS AND ADULTS IN DEPENDENCY COURT:

Phase I
4-6 weeks of outpatient treatment-
At least 3 hours of group sessions 4 nights a week
Individual sessions at least once a month;
Urinalysis 5 times weekly;
Attend court once a week;
Attend NA/AA meetings;
Report to probation officer or care manager.

Phase II
4-5 months depending on progress in treatment-
At least 3 hours of group sessions 3 nights per week;
Individual sessions at least once a month;
Urinalysis 4 times weekly;
Attend court once every two weeks;
Attend NA/AA meetings;
Report to probation officer or care manager.

Phase III
6-8 months depending on progress in treatment-
At least 1 ½ hours of group sessions 2 nights weekly;
Individual sessions at least once a month;
Urinalysis twice a week;
Attend court once every three weeks;
Attend NA/AA meetings;
Obtain GED;
Report to probation officer or care manager.

HOW DOES AN INDIVIDUAL ENTER THE DRUG COURT PROGRAM?

There are certain factors the Drug Court team reviews when considering an individual for admission into Drug Court .

Examples of frequently used eligibility requirements for Drug Court are as follows:

Non violent drug offenses:

drug possession charges

drug purchasing charges

may include possession with intent to sell

Pending case plan in dependency court

Demonstrated substance abuse problems;

Willingness to participate in treatment; and

Limited criminal history

Some factors or behaviors can exclude individuals from Drug Court . Defendants with both addiction and mental health problems present difficult obstacles. Also, defendants whose primary criminal involvement is in manufacturing and selling illegal substances or who have an ingrained criminal lifestyle typically make poor candidates for drug court.

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