Drug Court Program Offers Help for Repeat Offenders
Could Reduce Jail Time in Exchange for Addiction Treatment
By Karen Gould

Offering repeat drug and alcohol offenders a chance to recover from their addictions, a new Drug Court program began January 1 in Mackinac and Luce counties. The comprehensive program offers reduced jail sentences or decreased probation time in exchange for receiving professional help, court monitoring, and daily drug testing.

The Drug Court is overseen by 92nd District Court and is comprised of a law enforcement panel that reviews cases recommended by Judge Beth Gibson.

A person receiving any type of repeat drunk driving arrest, drugrelated charge, or other offense that involves alcohol would be considered by the Drug Court team for the program, said Judge Gibson. Repeat offenses can come from driving under the influence, which includes those operating snowmobiles, cars, trucks, boats, and offroad vehicles, she said.

The team of law enforcement and health department workers reviews case files and selects candidates for the program, although the offender does not have to participate in the program, she said. By the end of January, the court team will be considering its first two participants.

The Drug Court's goal is to stop a pattern of substance abuse, said Judge Gibson. The court gives repeat offenders the choice of reducing jail time, which would keep them with their families and on the job, in exchange for treatment, she said. Those who agree to enter the new court program are forced to deal with their substance abuse problems and are offered help in their recovery process.

"I'm excited about the potential this could bring to our community," said Judge Gibson, who expects about 20 participants the first year.

The program builds collaborative relationships between the substance abusing offenders, the court, and drug treatment professionals. All want to help the offender in the recovery process. The team provides support, treatment, and supervision, while sanctions can be imposed if requirements are not met.

For treatment, those entering the program agree to a strict monitoring plan. Participants remain on probation and meet at least weekly with the Drug Court. They also are required to meet two to three times a week with a substance abuse counselor. Depending on individual needs, participants must become a member of Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, or may be required to join both organizations. Participants will receive random or daily drug testing and could be required to wear a tether, depending on circumstances, said Judge Gibson.

Acandidate, she said, could be a person convicted of a second drugrelated charge, who would be ordered to pay fines and court costs and serve a six-month jail sentence. Participants would have part or all of their sentence suspended, but the sentence could be carried out later if requirements of the Drug Court program are violated. The possibility of a jail sentence is motivation for the offender to stay straight, she said.

Time spent with the Drug Court will be one to two years.

The program is funded through the NorthCare Network in Marquette.

In 2006, the tax support for substance abuse in Mackinac County would have been more than $137,000, although county commissioners instead used the funds to reduce the county millage. Judge Gibson said she hopes the funding is returned to substance abuse programs this year, or the future of the Drug Court could be in jeopardy. County commissioners have not made a decision on the funds for 2007.

Funds to support the Drug Court in Luce County come from a drunk driving assistance fund, said Judge Gibson.

Other area Drug Courts are operated by the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, Marquette County, and Traverse City.

Daryl Boerigter, coordinator for the Drug Court, has an office in both Mackinac and Luce counties.

Team members include Marc Dragon of Luce-Mackinac-Alger- Schoolcraft District Health Department Addiction Services (LMAS); Tim Matelski, St. Ignace police chief; Jeanine Blakely, court administrator for 92nd District Court; Fred Feleppa, Mackinac County prosecutor; Sheriff Scott Strait; Deb Luepnitz, probate officer 92nd District Court; Stuart Spencer, Mackinac County public defender; Fred Strich, Michigan State Police trooper; Ken Mills, Straits Area Narcotics Enforcement (SANE) detective; Dave Hopper, Michigan State Police trooper, and Judge Gibson.