The goal of the Union County DWI Treatment Court Program is to provide you with the treatment, structure and support you need to change your life.
Union County DWI Treatment Court is an evidence-based program dedicated to reducing recidivism and helping participants maintain sobriety. Treatment courts are for people who are in the justice system because of substance use or a mental health disorder.
The program has five phases, with participation ranging from at least one year to up to two years. Staying in the program depends on you and how well you handle the structure added to your life.
DWI Treatment Court Team
Many people involved in the DWI Treatment Court personally interact with participants to help ensure the success of each person in this innovative program. The following people help make up the DWI Treatment Court team, working directly with participants:
- District Court Judge
- Defense attorneys
- District attorneys
- Probation officers
- Court coordinator
- Treatment providers
- Law enforcement
The team treats participants with respect and honesty. They work together to ensure participants have the opportunity to improve their lives while maintaining sobriety. The time participants invest in recovery will determine what they get out of it. Participants are sanctioned for non-compliance or rewarded with incentives for their progress.
Treatment
By keeping substance-addicted offenders out of jail and in treatment, Drug Courts have been proven to reduce drug abuse and crime while saving money. The most important part of the DWI treatment Court is making sure participants are involved in drug/alcohol treatment.
Participants must:
- Complete all recommended substance use treatment.
- Attend Community Support Meetings (i.e., AA/NA) or pro-social activity each week.
- Submit to weekly drug testing (including random tests).
- Attend meetings with the Case Coordinator.
- Attend meetings with the Probation Officers.
- Attend court sessions every other week.
Graduation
Upon successful completion of program requirements, participants graduate from the Union County DWI Treatment Court Program. The criteria for graduation include:
- Successful completion of all phases of the program.
- A minimum of 90 drug and alcohol-free days prior to graduation.
- Completion of an exit interview.
- Completion of all mandatory jail time unless the Judge orders otherwise.
Disposition of Charges
Although DWI charges cannot be dismissed or expunged, upon successful completion of the DWI Treatment Court Program, the following legal benefits MAY happen:
- Transfer from supervised to unsupervised probation.
- Reduction in costs and fees owed by the participants.
- Other appropriate action by the court.
If you have any questions regarding the program, email DWI Treatment Court Coordinator J.D. McClain or call 704-698-3230.
The mission of the Union County Family Treatment Court is to empower parents grappling with substance use, recognizing that their journey towards recovery significantly influences their ability to provide a nurturing and stable environment for their children.
We are dedicated to fostering a compassionate and supportive judicial system that not only addresses the challenges of substance dependency but also actively promotes the reunification and strengthening of families.
Through personalized interventions, rehabilitative programs, and collaborative partnerships with community resources, we strive to guide parents on a path of recovery, enabling them to overcome obstacles, rebuild their lives, and ultimately, create a safe and loving home for their children. At the core of our mission is the belief that every individual has the potential for positive change, and with our assistance, families can heal, grow, and thrive together.
Eligibility
To be eligible for Family Treatment Court, the candidate must be a Union County resident who is a parent or caregiver involved in a child welfare services matter. The candidate cannot have prior convictions for violent offenses or trafficking controlled substances.
For more information, email Family Treatment Court Coordinator Katie Turner or call 704-698-3238.
Veterans Treatment Court allows eligible participants to receive structured treatment, supervision, and support in lieu of traditional jail or prison sentences. The intensive, accountability-based program includes frequent check-ins, random drug tests, ongoing treatment, mentors, and twice-monthly court sessions. Successful graduates may be eligible for reduced or dismissed charges and significantly reduced jail time.
Local veterans are needed to volunteer as mentors to support veterans participating in this treatment-based program. It's an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of fellow service members. They offer peer support to the program participants and help them stay motivated to reach their goals.
Visit the Veterans Treatment Court web page for more information.
If you have any questions regarding the program, email Veterans Treatment Court Coordinator Hannah Legarsky or call 704-698-3229.
