In some jurisdictions, multiple drug courts have been established to handle a variety of defendants, both at the misdemeanor and felony levels. Drug courts vary somewhat in the details, but typically are based on the idea of using the coercive power of the criminal justice system to force low-level offenders into drug treatment. Eligible defendants sent to a drug court find that they must adhere to strict requirements designed to end their dependence on drugs and alcohol. For example, most drug courts require urinalysis twice a week, according to the Justice Department's Drug Courts Program Office. Ego- heavy trial jocks need not apply.
Cooperation is the name of the game.
People are often quite cynical about the traditional court process having an impact on these offenders, who seem to just cycle through at the taxpayers' expense. Recidivism rates generally range from 2 to 20 percent, depending on the type of offender population and the length of time studied. In most jurisdictions, if a defendant misses a hearing, a bench warrant is issued and often is executed within hours. The high level of treatment also contributes to low dropout rates, researchers said. As drug courts have become more experienced in helping defendants, the range of treatment services has expanded beyond drug and alcohol treatment, to include help with education, job training, child care, housing, and other matters.