Community Services Board

Chesapeake's Drug Court

• Drug Courts are specialized dockets within the existing structure of Virginia's court system given the responsibility to handle cases involving non-violent adult and juvenile felony drug possession charges.  The programs use the power of the courts to assist non-violent drug offenders to achieve recovery through a combined system of intensive supervision, drug testing, substance abuse treatment, and regular court appearances.

• Drug Courts rely on the collaborative effort of judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, public defenders, sheriffs, deputies and police officers, probation staff, treatment professionals and clerks of the court to assist addicted offenders.

• Drug Courts integrate criminal case processing, comprehensive treatment services and offender accountability under the leadership of the court.

• Drug Courts offer an alternative to traditional adjudication and/or sentencing options.

And here in Chesapeake?

Interest in starting an adult drug court began in 1999. Then Commonwealth's Attorney Randall Smith led the effort. In 2001 a team of criminal justice and treatment personnel attended the three federal trainings required for submission of a grant application. In the spring of 2004, a planning group was created which evolved into the steering committee.

In early 2005, the new statewide steering committee and the General Assembly approved the city's request to initiate a small pilot program which will serve five participants. Judges Bernard Goodwyn and Randall Smith of the Circuit Court volunteered to hear drug court cases.

The treatment team, which manages services to participants from day to day, began meeting to set up procedures and receive referrals. On August 17, 2005, the first participant was enrolled in the 12-month Drug Court program.

This project is being conducted with no additional resources.

How can you help?

• Consider serving on steering committee or an advisory committee which is planned for the future.

• Volunteer to provide incentives, such as restaurant and movie coupons, gift certificates, plaques, etc., to recognize participants' progress in the drug court program.

• Consider providing employment to a participant.

Who do I contact if I'm interested?

Christine Bradshaw Earl, Mental Health/Substance Abuse Administrator

Community Services Board
(757) 819-6118
cbearl@chesapeakecsb.net

Additional Information Sources

If you are interested in more information about the Drug Court program, you can visit the Virginia Drug Court Association's web site at: http://www.vdca.net