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Drug Court

Drug courts were first established in New York State in 1995, to attempt to halt the revolving door of addiction and arrest by providing addicted defendants with drug treatment and rigorous judicial monitoring. The idea is to provide drug treatment for non-violent drug addicted defendants instead of incarceration. The various drug courts throughout New York bring together prosecutors, defense attorneys, judges, treatment providers and court personnel in a collaborative effort to enforce compliance with court orders.

Drug courts often use a system of graduated rewards and sanctions to encourage defendants to attain and maintain abstinence from drugs. For those who successfully complete the drug court program, their criminal charges are generally reduced or even dismissed. For those who fail to comply or complete the program, incarceration is usually the alternative.