Pubdate: Thu, 18 Oct 2001
Source: Charlotte Observer (NC)
Copyright: 2001 The Charlotte Observer
Contact:  http://www.charlotte.com/observer/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/78
Author: Nichole Monroe Bell

ADDICTS GET NEW OPTION IN COURT

Guilty Plea, Rehab Let Them Have Charges Dropped

YORK -- Drug-addicted criminals who want to get clean will have that chance 
through a new drug treatment court that begins today in York County.

The court will join four similar programs across the state that offer 
nonviolent criminals treatment for addiction rather than sending them to 
jail. The addicts plead guilty before entering the 12- to 18-month program. 
If they complete it successfully, their charges are dismissed.

Advocates hope that over time, the program will reduce crime by eliminating 
the addictions that drive many people to break the law. They say 
traditional forms of punishment, such as incarceration or probation, often 
are ineffective against drug addicts.

Drug dealers are not accepted into the program, and only non-violent drug 
users qualify.

"The large majority of crimes - I'd venture to say 90 percent - from murder 
to shoplifting, are alcohol-or drug-related," said 16th Circuit Solicitor 
Tommy Pope. "We're trying to find a balance between those who are most 
affected but still willing to help themselves."

Drug treatment court is an intense 12- to 18-month program. Participants 
volunteer through a referral from their lawyer, a judge, police or another 
agency. The solicitor's office helps decide whether the person qualifies.

Six days each week, participants are expected to attend therapy, Narcotics 
Anonymous meetings and education programs. They will be tested for drugs 
several times a week, and drug court staffers frequently will call 
participants' employers and families to make sure they're following the 
program.

Dropping the criminal charges is an incentive, Pope said.

"It's somewhat of a reward for the new life they're going to start," Pope said.

York County plans to spend about $250,000 to treat 30 people during the 
next year. Advocates say the costs will outweigh the expense of putting 
addicts in jail.

Officials with Keystone Substance Abuse Services in Rock Hill said 
incarceration costs $55 to $60 a day per person, not including the money 
lost when that person isn't working to support his or her family. They said 
for every dollar invested in drug treatment, $7 is saved in health care 
costs and crime reduction.

Keystone will handle much of the counseling and treatment for drug court 
participants.

Marvin Brown, commander of the county's drug enforcement unit, said he 
thinks the program will be helpful because officers frequently encounter 
people who steal from loved ones or sell drugs to support a habit.

"If we can solve their problem, then we've solved our problem," Brown said. 
"Don't get me wrong, (treatment court is) not for everyone. You have to 
want to do it. For some people, it will be easier for them to go to jail 
and pay their fine."
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