The mission of the Thurston County DUI/Drug Court Program is to break the "revolving door" cycle of drug use and crime and to support participants to achieve total abstinence from drugs and alcohol, by promoting responsibility and accountability, and by teaching participants to become productive members in the community.
Thurston County DUI/Drug Court Program
DUI/Drug Court is held at Superior Court:
Tuesdays at 10:00 am-noon
Wednesdays 2:30 pm—5:00 pm
The Thurston County DUI /Drug Court Program is a court-supervised, comprehensive drug treatment program available to eligible non-violent drug and property felony offenders and adult DUI offenders whose crime is related to, or caused by, drug and/or alcohol addiction.
DUI/Drug Court is a comprehensive, court-supervised treatment program for eligible non-violent felony offenders and repeat DUI offenders.
The program’s mission is to break the revolving door cycle of substance abuse and crime by supporting individuals in achieving recovery, promoting responsibility/accountability while becoming productive members of the community.
The DUI/Drug Court program employs the coordinated efforts of local criminal justice partners, behavioral health providers and other community base recovery support services to assist participants in achieving recovery and addressing the associated challenges associated with substance use, to include:
· Substance abuse/mental health treatment
· Housing
· Food insecurity
· Employment
· Educational resources
Drug Court assist participants with medical expenses not covered by insurance.
Eligibility for Drug Court: Individual has a substance use disorder and eligible felony charge(s)(RCW 2.30.030) The Deputy Prosecuting Attorney(DPA) assigned to the case(s) approves referral. Most often, individuals are offered DUI/Drug Court but can request DUI/Drug Court through their assigned or private counsel who could then communicate that request/referral on their behalf through the assigned DPA.
“Drug Court provides an opportunity for people with addictions issues to change their lives. Through support and accountability, the Drug Court team walks with each participant on their journey towards sustained recovery. Being a part of the Drug Court team and working with our amazing participants is truly a privilege.”
-Christine Schaller, Thurston County Superior Court Judge
“I attended Thurston County Drug Court Graduation today. Daniel H. wrote me a letter inviting me to his graduation. He wrote, ‘On August 20th, 2020, I was arrested for possession of stolen property and burglary 2nd. The arresting officers were Deputy Sanders, Deputy Hiles, and K9 Jaxx. First, I would like to say I have a newfound respect for the law. I have personal respect for both of your commitments to serving and protecting the community. I regret and am embarrassed for my actions and the fact I committed that crime. I believe your arresting me gave me a second chance at life through the drug court program. I would like to invite you to my program graduation. Respectfully, Daniel H.’ Daniel completed Drug Court with 481 days and counting of clean UAs and has stated his sobriety has allowed him to reconnect and build a relationship with his children and grandchildren. Daniel Credited the strict rules and structure of the Drug Court Program to his success, noting that the choice between Drug Court and prison time pushed him to get clean. This is the criminal justice system at its absolute best. Bravo Daniel.” -Sheriff Sanders.
Rachel
“Drug Courts Work. As a 2004 Thurston County Drug Court graduate, Rachel Dreon has a come a long way. Rachel entered Drug Court as a result of criminal charge of possession of methamphetamine and possible pending charges of theft and forgery. Rachel suffered many tragic losses as young single mother at 19 and turned to drugs to fill the void. Without any prior knowledge of recovery she was given a second chance with the option of Drug Court. Drug Court changed her life, it introduced her to 12 step programs which she is still highly active in today. It also gave her and her young family a sense of community and the mental health resources to begin healing unresolved trauma.”
Cary
“I am 2792643, I am a328326. I am a heroin addict, I am an alcoholic, I am a felon, I am a criminal, I am a menace to society, I am Cary M. and today, I complete drug court. For the past 10 years I have been chasing death, like the late summer nights chase after the crisp kiss of autumn’s foreshadowed changes. Running at its heels, tormenting and tempting him to dare to turn around to face me. For the past 10 years I robbed my family and anyone that ever loved me of anything and everything that mattered most to them, from my friends, I robbed friendship and trust. From my family I robbed time, I robbed love, I robbed dignity and comfort… Then I found hope in the Therapeutic Court system. My story is not over.”
How does the Strophy Foundation help?
The Strophy Foundation provides funding for:
ensuring participants engage in pro-social activities
supporting participants to obtain their GED
paying for food handlers cards
fully supporting the Court’s Incentives Program that recognizes participants for reaching goals and milestones in their recovery
providing refreshments and prizes for graduations to celebrate the success of Drug Court graduates.
Click here to learn more.
