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. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom