The retention rate for offenders continues at 70 percent. Initial outcomes indicate that, after an 18-month period, the recidivism rate among those who graduated from the program was 5.7 percent. Once admitted into the program, the offender enters into an intensive, four-phase treatment program. Advancement from one phase to the next is dependent upon completion of the phase requirements and final approval of the judge. AA meetings are required throughout the year.
Participants appear before the judge once each month for their duration in the program.
If the participant is totally compliant, the program can be completed within 12 months. Drug testing is an important component of the DWI Drug Court because, although the offense may be DWI, about 35 percent of those offenders who enter the program because of a DWI also use other drugs. Drug testing is done at least twice each week for the first two months and randomly thereafter. The Dona Ana DWI Drug Court Dona Ana County has implemented a Drug Court focused on DWI offenders. Based on the results of the standardized screening, a personal interview, a personal statement written by the offender and practical considerations such as travel distance to the outpatient treatment program, offenders are recommended for entry into the program.