Pubdate: Mon, 03 Mar 2008
Source: Star-Ledger (Newark, NJ)
Copyright: 2008 Newark Morning Ledger Co
Contact:  http://www.nj.com/starledger/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/424
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?159 (Drug Courts)

DRUG COURTS BILL HEADS TO CORZINE'S DESK

The state Senate today gave final passage to a bill  that would make 
it easier for drug offenders to get  into a special probation program 
that allows them to  avoid prison time by entering rehab.

"For many drug offenders, treatment is far more  successful than 
incarceration in preventing repeat  offenses," said the bill's 
sponsor, Sen. John Adler  (D-Camden). "The drug courts are a valuable 
tool in New  Jersey's crime prevention efforts. They allow us to 
focus on helping sick people get well and save our  prison space for 
real criminals."

The bill (A1770/S233) was approved by the Assembly last  month and 
now goes to Gov. Jon Corzine, who has been  supportive of the use and 
expansion of drug courts,  said spokesman Jim Gardner. Corzine has 
included $7  million in next year's budget for the expansion of drug 
courts as well as the state's intensive supervision  program.

The legislation would make four changes to the current  law, 
including amending eligibility criteria to allow  more offenders to 
apply for drug court.

It would also allow judges to determine if the initial  six-month 
treatment should be in-patient or  non-residential after a substance 
abuse evaluation,  allow them to end the 5-year probation term early 
for  "exemplary progress" and allow them to reduce fines  after 
successful completion.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom