Pubdate: Fri, 19 Apr 2002
Source: Press & Sun Bulletin (NY)
Copyright: 2002 Press & Sun Bulletin
Contact:  http://www.pressconnects.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/878
Author: Kelly Griffith
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?159 (Drug Courts)

TIOGA REVIEWS BENEFITS OF DRUG COURT

OWEGO -- People charged with nonviolent crimes who are addicted to 
drugs or alcohol may be sentenced to an intensive treatment program 
instead of jail if the Tioga County Legislature approves a drug court 
program.

Tioga officials listened Thursday to a panel presentation about the 
social and cost benefits of running a county drug treatment court. 
The presentation was made by members of the Oswego County Drug 
Treatment Court in the auditorium of Tioga's administration building 
at 56 Main St.

Drug treatment court is a voluntary program, Oswego County Judge 
James McCarthy said. To enroll in Oswego's program, defendants, who 
must be at least 16 years old, must plead guilty to a criminal charge 
and sign a contract that states the sentence that will be imposed if 
the defendant does not complete the program.

Each week, participants attend several sessions with their treatment 
provider. They also meet regularly with the drug treatment court 
judge and undergo random drug tests. People who violate their 
treatment program receive immediate sanctions, such as a weekend in 
jail or community service hours. Some are terminated from the program 
and are ordered to serve their original sentence in jail.

People in drug court programs often go to school or work and start 
paying taxes and child support, McCarthy said. He said the drug 
treatment court reduces the number of repeat offenders, saves 
taxpayers' money by not jailing defendants and increases public 
safety by reducing the number of people who steal or commit other 
crimes to get drugs.

Dave Guyer, Oswego's program coordinator, said the county has not 
analyzed the cost benefits of its program. But he said no extra staff 
members have been hired for it. The county's drug treatment court 
program is funded by a federal grant.

Guyer said about 50 people are in Oswego's treatment program. He said 
the county program includes misdemeanor and felony offenders.

The original charge against a defendant usually is reduced or 
dismissed after completion of the program, McCarthy said. He said the 
original plea will remain in effect if the defendant does not 
complete the program.

Tioga County Judge Vincent Sgueglia, who attended a training program 
about drug courts in January, said he likes the immediacy of the 
program. Participants waive their right to a hearing, which means 
they get help faster, he said.

Tioga Legislature Chairman Peter L. Ward, R-7th District, said he 
does not know when the county will make a decision about starting a 
drug treatment court. He said legislators and the county's Criminal 
Justice Advisory Council are collecting information and examining the 
costs and benefits of the program.
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