Gwinnett County officials echo their peers and counterparts in states across the country when they laud the special judicial program that focuses specifically on nonviolent drug offenders and, in some instances, those convicted on DUI charges.
Locally, the version of that national program is called the Gwinnett County Drug and DUI Court, which operates along with about 2,500 similar courts across the country. The first such court to be established in the United States came into existence in Florida two decades ago. The Gwinnett County court was established in 2005.
The court will hold its 20th graduation ceremony on May 20, with nearly 30 people finishing an intensive program of drug and alcohol treatment focused on accountability and productive immersion into their communities.
The ceremony will occur within the period designated National Drug Court Month, a month-long event that features the theme "Drug Courts: A Proven Budget Solution."
Advocates across the country tout what they say are benefits far exceeding cost outlays for the program, wherever it exists. Research shows that drug courts produce better and cheaper outcomes than do prison and jail terms. Proponents say that, nationally, 75 percent of program graduates do not re-offend, a recidivism rate unmatched by any other method of intervention or treatment.
One estimate stresses that every dollar invested in a person who attends a drug and DUI program returns as much as $27 to taxpayers, who pay fewer costs down the road for the returning prison costs, therapy, welfare and other outlays associated with the higher failure rates of other enforcement options.
"Drug Courts save money, cut crime and serve veterans," says West Huddleston, the CEO of the National Association of Drug Court Professionals. He adds that, "We must put a Drug Court within reach of every eligible American."
Related Resource: The Weekly, "Gwinnett County Drug and DUI Court Celebrates 'National Drug Court Month' With Graduation Ceremony" May 16, 2011
