Drug Court
Drug Court Eligibility
- Must be 18 years of age or older.
- Crow Wing County resident.
- Has pled guilty to an eligible offence according to program policy.
- Determined to be amenable to probation.
- Determined to be in need of treatment.
- Determined to meet the other program qualifications and standards.
Drug Court Referral Process
Qualified individuals will be preliminarily screened by the prosecuting attorney to determine basic eligibility criteria.
These individuals are then screened by a probation officer to determine suitability for the program.
Formal review for acceptance is then made by the Drug Court Team.
What is Drug Court?
A judicially supervised treatment-based program for adults who are charged with certain eligible offenses.
A program with clear and specific expectations and goals.
It features a team approach to treatment, coordinated with intensive probation supervision, random and regular drug and alcohol testing and regular and frequent court appearances.
Demonstrated approach to lasting recovery and reduced recidivism.
Do Drug Courts Save Money?
Drug Court research reflects that for every $1 spent on Drug Courts there is a savings of $10 due to reduced jail/prison use, reduced criminality, and lower criminal justice costs.
A Multi Agency Approach
Drug Court is a team approach that brings together a number of partnering agencies (judges, prosecutors, defense counsel, treatment professionals, probation officers, law enforcement, educational and vocational experts and community members).
The Program
Drug Court is a 20-month program divided into four phases followed by a post-graduation phase.
During all phases of the program participants will be required to cooperate with frequent and random drug and alcohol testing, frequent and random field visits, cooperate with office visits, attend Drug Court hearings, and abstain from drugs and alcohol. Participants are also required to attend sober support meetings.
The Drug Court incorporates a system of incentives for compliance and sanctions for non-compliance.
Phase I:
This phase will focus on stabilization, assessment, and recovery. Participants will enter and successfully complete the recommended treatment program and establish abstinence. Participants must be in Phase I for a minimum of 3 months and have a minimum of sixty (60) days without a sanction and sixty (60) days of sobriety prior to advancement.
Phase II:
This phase will focus on recovery and responsibility to self and others. Participants will be asked to obtain adequate safe housing and dependent on individual circumstances obtain or maintain employment. Participants must be in Phase II for a minimum of 5 months and have a minimum of ninety (90) days without a sanction and ninety (90) days of sobriety prior to advancement.
Phase III:
This phase will continue to focus on maintenance of recovery and responsibility to self and others. Participants will be asked to complete thirty (30) hours of community service work to give back to the community. Participants must be in Phase III for a minimum of 6 months and have a minimum of ninety (90) days without a sanction and ninety (90) days of sobriety prior to advancement.
Phase IV:
This phase will focus on reaching personal goals while sustaining recovery and reinforcing the maintenance of a clean, sober and healthy lifestyle. Participants must be in Phase IV for a minimum of 6 months and have a minimum of 180 days without a sanction and 180 days of sobriety prior to graduation.
GRADUATION
POST-GRADUATION PHASE
Post-graduation phase provides a supportive environment for participants as they transition off high intensity supervision. Requirements during this phase are less restrictive in nature and more focused on developing and maintaining a network of recovery within the community. Participants will work on a continuing care plan and must be in this phase for 6 months prior to the formal completion of the program.
The mission of the Crow Wing County Drug Court is to enhance public safety by decreasing criminal recidivism through community supported, judicially supervised, treatment of substance use. This results in participants becoming contributing members of society with restored self- worth.
Drug Court Team
Ninth Judicial District Judiciary
Judicial Officer and Treatment Court Coordinator
Crow Wing County Community Corrections
Probation Agent
Crow Wing County Attorney's Office
Assistant County Attorney
Defense Attorney
Crow Wing County Community Services
LADC/SUD Case Manager
Mental Health Provider
Crow Wing County Law Enforcement Agencies
Brainerd Police Department
Baxter Police Department
Crow Wing County Sheriff's Department