DUPAGE COUNTY ANNOUNCES NEW DRUG COURT TRACK 2 PROGRAM

                Chief Judge Stephen J. Culliton and State’s Attorney Joe Birkett are pleased to announce the establishment of Drug Court Track 2 Program.   This program, which begins May 4, 2009, will provide a sentencing and treatment alternative for the first time felony offender that may not be eligible for First Offender Probation. 

            “I am extremely proud to oversee this new initiative.  This program will expand the number of defendants who will be given the opportunity to receive the appropriate treatment and to possibly avoid a felony conviction,” commented Chief Judge Stephen Culliton.

            Potential participants will follow the same screening and evaluation process that have already been established by the current DuPage County Drug Court Program.  If accepted, the participant will follow and complete all treatment recommendations established in the initial evaluation and any follow up evaluations completed by Drug Court staff, as well as the program guidelines for Drug Court Track 2.  The participant’s duration in the program of 12, 18 or 24 months will be established upon acceptance to the program. 

            “It is important to note that technical violations of this track will not automatically result in a sentence to the Department of Corrections” remarked DuPage County State’s Attorney Joe Birkett.   Sanctions for violations of program conditions may result in changes to the level of treatment, increased court appearances, increased reporting to clinician and probation officers, increased drug testing and/or public service hours.  If there are law violations, the State’s Attorney’s Office maintains its right to recommend a sentence to the Department of Corrections.

            Drug Court Track 2 is a multiple phase program.  Participants will be required to report to court as directed, submit to random drug testing, complete all recommended substance abuse and ancillary treatment, report to their Probation Officers as directed, and remain alcohol and drug free.  Participants will graduate from the program upon completion of all requirements including 12 months of sobriety, payment of all fines, costs and restitution.

            For further information, please contact Mr. James Wojtas, Program Manager for Drug Court and MICAP at 630-407-8846 or via e-mail at james.wojtas@dupageco.org.

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