Deferred Sentencing Program - Drug Court
A community service program

Benefits             |             Services             |             Eligibility

Beginning in July 2000, Mountain View has expanded the Deferred Sentencing Program, also known as Drug Court to include Calhoun County.  Referrals are being accepted for entry into the program.  For more information, please continue reading or contact the CARELINE at 1 (800) 662-1002.  Drug Court is currently operated in Etowah (at Mountain View Hospital in Gadsden).

Mountain View Hospital's Drug Court Programs is a specialized treatment alternative to a jail sentence for non-violent, substance abuse offenders.

Drug Court helps to establish an individualized treatment plan of correction for each person involved in the court system. The program offers a treatment plan which focuses on preventing relapse by addressing the underlying behavior, recovery from the substance addiction, and restoring the individual to being a productive member of society. In exchange for a person’s successful completion of the treatment program, the court may dismiss the charges, reduce or set aside a sentence, offer some lesser penalty or a combination of options.

An environment which the participate can easily understand is defined during the initial assessment. A system of clear choices are available and the individual is encouraged to take control of his or her own recovery. Drug Court rules are based on the participant's performance and are clearly measurable.

The participant’s performance is immediately and directly communicated to his or her respective courts, who reward progress or penalize noncompliance. With the support and cooperation of the local courts and law enforcement agencies, deferred sentencing is offered in order to stop the abuse of alcohol and other drugs within our community.

Mountain View Behavioral Health Drug Court is a program for offenders who want a second chance at recovering their lives.

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BENEFITS OF DRUG COURT

• Reduces crime and violence related to illegal drug use

• Attacks high levels of drug related crimes in communities

• Increase judicial control and supervision

• Improves treatment results

• Reduces illegal drug usage

• Relieves jail overcrowding

• Stops the revolving door of arrest, release and re-addiction

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• Initial Psychiatric / Chemical Dependency Assessment

• Educational Counseling

• Assistance in finding support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous

• Life Management Skills Training

• Aftercare Treatment Plan with continued follow-up

• Community Reintegration

• Regular Performance Reviews by the court

Individualized Supervised Case Management is also provided through the program.

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ELIGIBILITY FOR DRUG COURT

Although all cases are subject to approval by the court, general eligibility requirements may include:

• Drug possession or forged prescription crimes

• No history of violence, pending cases in another court and must not be on probation

• No prior firearms charges, and no weapons can be in connection with the arrest on the current case

• A thorough assessment including a background information is conducted and a report is made to the court regarding the case

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