WILLIAMSON CO., Ill. - On April 3, 2019, the First Judicial Circuit will announce the beginning of Drug and Veterans Court.
This special type of treatment court combines intensive substance
abuse treatment, increased drug testing and monitoring by the probation office, and weekly court contact with the Judge in charge of the case. Close case coordination increases public safety and
ensures offender accountability while participating in the program.
The Drug/Veterans Court received its official certification to begin operations by the Illinois Supreme Court on March 28,
The Drug/Treatment Court has been developed in accordance with the Illinois Supreme Court Problem Solving Court standards and will hear it’s first case today. Treatment courts are this nation’s most effective strategy to reduce drug use and recidivism among substance addicted, non-violent offenders with criminal histories. Nationally, these courts
save up to $13,000 for every individual they serve and return as much as $27 for every $1 invested. There are more than 3,000 treatment courts in the United States annually serving 150,000 people. Since 1989, treatment courts have saved more than 1.5 million lives and billions of tax dollars.
“Treatment courts are a proven budget solution that stops the revolving door of arrest and incarceration for people with substance abuse and mental health disorders. They prove that justice is sometimes best served by connecting people to treatment and resources to help them turn their lives around.” (Quote from National Association of Drug Court Professionals CEO Carson Fox)
First Judicial Circuit Judge Carey Gill stated, “After a lot of hard work from our Drug/Veterans Court Team, I am pleased to announce that our Court has been certified by the State of Illinois. Our program offers two separate tracks, one for non-violent drug offenders and one for our
veterans who are involved in the criminal justice system.”
Williamson County States Attorney Brandon Zanotti stated: “Implementing a Drug and Veterans Court has been one of my top priorities since taking office almost five years ago. After much
work and dedication on the part of so many terrific people and agencies, I am pleased this goal is finally coming into fruition. I have full faith and confidence in this new program, and am excited to get to work on it. I firmly believe that we are going to be making a big difference in many people’s lives, as well as continue to make Williamson County a safer place to live and work in the process.”