Drug court offers option

Drug Court, a national program that provides the justice system with an alternative way to sentence non-violent felons, recently began in Johnstown's colonial courthouse. Catholic Charities of Fulton County serves as the lead agency.

Drug Court is a partnership among public, private and community-based organizations dedicated to a coordinated and cooperative approach to chemical-abusing, non-violent criminals, said Jackie Jones, Drug Court coordinator for Catholic Charities of Fulton County.

Alternative

Treatment is a key aspect of the program. Participants in Drug Court must be in intensive substance abuse treatment. Participants must also be employed or receiving job training, go to court twice a month, have regular drug tests, and meet other requirements established by the court.

Those involved in the criminal justice system have seen the link between crime and substance abuse. According to Michael Poulin, Fulton County assistant public defender, the majority of those arrested for crimes in Fulton County are either addicted to drugs and alcohol, or are under their influence when arrested or committing the crime.

Judge Richard Giardino said, "Over 50 percent of our felony arrests are consumers of alcohol and drugs. The crimes may be motivated to get them money for drugs."

Breaking the cycle

"We understand people have drug problems," said Stephen Syzdek, Fulton County assistant district attorney. "We're human beings, too. We see the same name over and over again going to jail. Going to jail obviously isn't getting across the message. We want them to become productive members of society."

Judge Giardino said Drug Court has allowed the criminal justice system to approach offenders in a different way. "It gives the court system the opportunity to adopt the treatment model," he said.

First-timer

Between then and when he ended up in Drug Court in June, he had been charged with Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) several times, served six months in jail and received probation, and had been arrested for harassment, and disorderly conduct. When he was arrested for his fourth DWI, a felony, he was facing up to three years in state prison.

Mrs. Jones, the district attorney's office, the public defender and the judge all thought this father of three might be the ideal first candidate for Drug Court.

Now sober for 114 days, the longest he's been sober since he was a teen, John has found Drug Court to be beneficial. "I'm glad I was offered the program," he said. "I see my kids more than I did when they were growing up. It was hard at first, but I enjoy going to court now. I enjoy A.A. [Alcoholics Anonymous]. I enjoy treatment."

Hard work

"I didn't honestly think I could stop drinking," John said. "Everyone's supportive. They're not out to get you."

The bi-weekly hearings with the court take place in Judge Giardino's chambers in the historic courthouse. He describes the meetings as being more of a conversation among the participant, the attorneys and Mrs. Jones than a traditional court proceeding. During these hearings, the judge can reward the progress of the participant or administer sanctions if there is a lack of progress.

Regulations

"As a judge, you have a lot of concerns," Judge Giardino said. "It's a gamble on the person. Public safety is the primary concern. If the court or the district attorney felt they were a risk, they wouldn't continue in the program."

Since the program began in April, only two people have been admitted to the Drug Court program. Two others were rejected while a third was offered the program but chose jail time instead. Those involved with the program expect more people will participate in the future. "As the program goes along, the more people we can accept," Judge Giardino said.

Making a difference

"I see a huge difference in John," said Mr. Syzdek. "Now he actually enjoys seeing us."

John J. is surprised by the interest Drug Court officials have taken in him. "It's overwhelming" he said of seeing the number of people behind Drug Court who are interested in his success.

Advantages

"It saves the county an awful lot of money," said Mrs. Jones. It costs the county $15,000 to house someone in jail for six months. Once-a-week treatment for six months costs $1,000. Both the District Attorney's office and the Public Defender's office also save on preparation and court appearance time, and local jail beds are freed up for more serious and violent offenders.

There is also a rippling affect to the treatment based Drug Court, Mrs. Jones said, pointing out that there are savings for social services, health care facilities and school districts when a person like John J. is treated and is able to work and better care for his children.

Said Jim Lomanto, director of Victorian Manor, a residential treatment program, "It's truly a family disease. Drug Court is restoring family values."

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