Drug court includes group, family and individual counseling; frequent and random urine testing; educational and vocational training; and scheduled payments of restitution, child support and court fees. Participants report directly to their drug court judge, who rewards their progress and sanctions their noncompliance. When participants successfully complete the program, their charges may be dismissed through diversion, or conditional discharge may be granted through probation.
Clark Circuit Judge Jean Chenault Logue and Clark District Judge Earl-Ray Neal presented the six graduates with certificates for completing the programs, and praised the graduates and their friends, families and the community for their hard work and support.
“People have gone through a lot of hard work,” Logue said. “Drug court is unique in the sense that we get to meet people, we get to know them and know more about that. I think what we all know (is) we all make mistakes, that happens to everybody. Our drug court is a great deal of work in order to not only right the wrong, but get their lives straightened out and make a better life for their families.
“A lot of nice people can end up in bad situations so we’re here trying to help them get that straightened out.”
Neal said Clark County is fortunate to have a drug court program. Watching the drug court participants transform their lives and get back on track is “amazing,” he said.
“The best part of the job that I have is the part that I don’t get paid for and that’s drug court,” he said.
All six graduates gave brief personal testimonies about their journey through drug court after receiving their certificates and being applauded by dozens of supporters who filled the Clark County Circuit courtroom. Although each had different struggles during the program and, as one graduate described it, came “kicking and screaming” at first, they all were grateful for their supporters and those involved with the program who walked beside them during the difficult times.
All six graduates in their testimonies described a sense of hope and optimism for their new futures.
Contact Katie Perkowski at kperkowski@winchestersun.com.
