Providing Quality Treatment and Effective Supervision in the District of Columbia for Over 25 years
The Superior Court Drug Intervention Program, better known as Drug Court, was established in 1993 and has evolved into a model program, as evidenced by the steady stream of visitors from around the world who come to observe and study its operations. Visitors have included delegations of senior government officials, policy advisors, researchers and practitioners from Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Chile, the Netherlands, Mexico, Kazakhstan, and, most recently, Vietnam. Considering that there are more than 2,500 drug courts throughout the country, we are honored when Drug Court is selected as the one to visit.
Drug Court has consistently delivered quality services and demonstrated positive outcomes. Despite this, the Drug Court partners continuously strive to improve and ensure that Drug Court is operated according to the latest best practices. This includes independent studies sponsored by PSA and DC Superior Court to conduct impact evaluations and assess adherence to Drug Court’s evidence-based practices.
Drug Court now fully embraces all 10 Key Components of Drug Court, as set forth by the National Association of Drug Court Professionals as best practices for adult drug courts. These practices and commitment to quality are what continue to distinguish Drug Court as a model program.
Recognizing that criminal justice and treatment communities can be mutually reinforcing, Drug Court brings the two worlds together in the courtroom. The judge plays an integral role in the oversight of treatment to substance-abusing or addicted defendants. Drug Court utilizes assertive case management, regular court appearances, frequent drug testing, recovery-focused incentives, reasonable sanctions, and instant access to treatment and social service resources.
Who is Eligible and Steps for Placement
Drug Court is designed to provide appropriate treatment for eligible defendants assessed to need substance addiction treatment. Most defendants charged with misdemeanors, and many charged with non-violent felonies are eligible for Drug Court.
The following exclusion criteria generally apply unless specifically allowed by the United States Attorney’s Office (USAO) or the District of Columbia Office of the Attorney General (OAG) and Drug Court judge. A defendant must:
- Not be currently charged with a violent misdemeanor or violent felony (simple assaults may be allowed);
- Have no more than one additional pending, non-violent criminal case;
- Have no prior convictions for a violent or weapons offense for which the defendant was serving a sentence or on probation, parole or supervised release within the last 10 years;
- Not be charged with or have a pending charge that involves a victim;
- Have no prior convictions for a victim-involved crime for which the defendant was serving a sentence or on probation, parole, or supervised release within the last 10 years.
In addition, the following eligibility criteria apply only to felony amended sentencing agreements. A defendant must:
- Have no prior violent convictions in any court;
- Within the last 10 years, have no more than two misdemeanor convictions;
- Have no prior misdemeanor convictions for PWID or Distribution of Marijuana;
- Have a current charge that is not PCP-related; and
- Have no other pending felony cases and no more than one pending misdemeanor case.
Certain other criteria may apply to defendants being considered for the misdemeanor diversion or felony amended sentencing agreements. Contact Drug Court for details.
Steps for Placement
- PSA screening for Drug Court eligibility;
- Substance abuse assessment must indicate need for intensive outpatient or residential treatment;
- Certification to Drug Court from another criminal calendar;
- USAO/ OAG approval required for misdemeanor diversion and felony amended sentencing agreements; and to place defendants with criminal charges or histories who would normally be excluded.