Drug Court

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“Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.”

The Team

Greta Stirling Friedman, Judge
La Porte County Superior Court 4

Corissa Strader, Coordinator/Case Manager
La Porte County Probation Department

Stephen T. Eyrick, Chief Probation Officer
La Porte County Probation Department

Scott Pejic, Defense Attorney
Pejic & Dimartino, P.C

Barbra Stooksbury, Deputy Prosecutor
La Porte County Prosecutor’s Office

Deb LeRoy, Director
La Porte County Drug and Alcohol Program

Kareem Achy, La Porte County Community Corrections

Will Garcia, Treatment Provider
Swanson Center

Paula Dranger, Treatment Provider
Choices! Couseling Services

Adam Hannon, Detective
La Porte County Sheriff’s Department

Eric LaRue, Case Manager
La Porte County Probation Department

Ashley Ortega, Intensive Case Manager
La Porte County Probation Department

Angela Case, Bailiff
La Porte County Superior Court 4

EXTERNAL LINKS

COVID-19 RESOURCES

La Porte County Problem Solving Court was established May of 2012 as an alternative to traditional case processing of substance dependent offenders. It is a voluntary program in which eligible offenders participate in an intense, multi-phase treatment program, submit to frequent drug testing and attend other appropriate court ordered programs while under the supervision of the Problem Solving Court Judge. Participants must attend services for a minimum of 18 months. Successful participants may have their charges dismissed or modified.

The La Porte County Problem Solving Court is in the process of obtaining a Non-profit organization status. This status will be beneficial to the program in funding for programming and incentives. The incentives motivate and encourage our participants and the programming supports growth in the recovery journey. These aspects enable the program to hold substance addicted offenders accountable, while reducing recidivism in La Porte County.

MISSION STATEMENT

“The La Porte County Problem Solving Court is dedicated to holding high risk, substance addicted offenders accountable and reducing recidivism by frequent judicial review, individualized treatment and intensive supervision.”

ALL RISE VIDEO

10 KEY COMPONENTS

THE PHASES

  • Attend orientation and comply with conditions of the participation handbook
  • Attend weekly progress hearings
  • Attend three self-help meetings weekly
  • Complete intake at treatment program
  • Attend treatment as scheduled
  • Meet with Case Manager as scheduled
  • Obtain photo identification
  • Apply for medical assistance (if required)
  • Substance free for one month
  • Attend weekly progress hearings and treatment
  • Attend three self-help meetings weekly
  • Meet with Case Manager as scheduled
  • Schedule health physical
  • Start searching for education/employment
  • Present relapse prevention plan to the Court
  • Substance free for three months
  • Attendance at biweekly progress hearings and treatment
  • Attend weekly appointments with Case Manager
  • Attend five self-help meetings weekly
  • Must obtain employement or be enrolled in school
  • Complete weekly community projects
  • Be current with all financial obligations
  • Substance free for four months
  • Attendance at biweekly progress hearings and treatment
  • Attend four self-help meetings weekly
  • Attend one meeting with Case Manager weekly
  • Maintain employment and/or school
  • Participate in community enrichment as directed
  • Be current with all financial obligations
  • Substance free for four months
  • Attendance at monthly progress hearings and treatment
  • Present updated relapse prevention plan to the Court
  • Remain arrest and substance free
  • Attend one meeting with Case Manager bi-weekly
  • Maintain employment and/or school
  • Prepare and present aftercare plan to the Court
  • All financial obligations must be completed
  • Attend three self-help meetings weekly

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

La Porte County Problem Solving Court is a withheld judgment program. The Problem Solving Court allows eligible participants to avoid post conviction incarceration by agreeing to complete a substance abuse treatment program, remain alcohol and drug free, and complete other evidence based practices. Participants must complete the problem solving court in its entirety and satisfy all requirements during the course of the program.

Offenders eligible for the Problem Solving Court are medium to high risk (risk to reoffend), adult (age 18) men and women, charged with addiction driven offenses such as possession, DUI, theft, burglary, prostitution, or forgery. Potential participants must meet clinical criteria for substance dependence determined by using evidence based screening tools.

The length of the program is approximately 18-24 months. The length of the program is based on individual needs, risks, and progress.

La Porte County Problem Solving Court’s goal is for you to lead a satisfying, self-sustaining life free from alcohol and other drugs, and free from crime. Our hope is you will be self-sufficient and a productive and responsible person. Participating in the La Porte County Problem Solving Court is your personal choice. The Problem Solving Court Judge and the Problem Solving Court Team are here to help you, but you alone are responsible for your success. It is your motivation that will enable you to complete this program. The benefits for participation include: becoming substance free, education, job training and other community resources. Once you successfully complete the program your charges may be dismissed or modified.

GALLERY

People never change because hey are under threat or under duress.  Never.  They change because they see something that makes their life seem valuable enought to start moving toward a life worth living.

  • Robert Downey, Jr.

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