The Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services is leading an effort to develop drug courts statewide. In addition to the 18 programs currently in operation, drug courts are in the planning stage in 23 other Oklahoma counties, said JoAnn Bronstad, state drug court planner. Boone said the traditional judicial process of putting drug addicts in prison has failed because the underlying problem, addiction, is not being treated. The drug court program is unique in that it offers certain drug offenders the chance to change their lives. If they choose not to change, we have the option of putting them in prison.
Drug courts accept only non-violent offenders.
In Cleveland County, most of the participants have been arrested for possession of methamphetamine or marijuana. No drug traffickers or manufacturers are ever accepted, Boone noted. Approximately 10 offenders were on the first Cleveland County drug court docket, which is conducted weekly before District Court Judge Tom Lucas. The court hopes to add new clients every month until reaching a maximum of 60 participants. To qualify for drug court, offenders must admit and plead guilty to their drug-related charges, waive the right to a trial, agree to the terms of a treatment plan, and sign a contract with the court, said Bronstad.