Adult Drug Court

The Berkeley County Adult Drug Court provides a cost-effective alternative to traditional prosecution and incarceration of offenders with substance use and/or alcohol use disorders. Crime will be reduced and offenders rehabilitated through intensive court supervision and treatment.

Drug Court is available for individuals with pending criminal charges and/or probation violations. Entry into the program requires a guilty plea to charges and/or probation violations with a negotiated sentence and deferral upon successful completion of the program. The program lasts a minimum of 15 months. Upon successful completion of Drug Court, the charges will be dismissed or the probation supervision ended.

Drug Court is a collaborative, multi-disciplinary team that includes a judge, prosecutor, defense attorney, treatment, testing, coordinator, probation, law enforcement and vocational rehabilitation. The Berkeley County Drug Court is operated by team members who are part of the National Association of Drug Court Professionals (NADCP). The program follows the national Drug Court model and incorporates the ten key components and best practices. Participants are required to attend court appearances, pay court fees, attend self-help meetings, submit to random drug testing, attend all treatment sessions, pay restitution to victims, and have full-time employment.

The goal of Drug Court is to lead people living with substance use disorders out of the justice system and into lives of recovery and stability. By doing so, Drug Court reduces recidivism and enhances public safety.