In exchange for successful completion of the treatment program, the court may dismiss the original charge, reduce or set aside a sentence, offer some lesser penalty, or offer a combination of these. Drug courts transform the roles of both criminal justice practitioners and AOD treatment providers. The judge is the central figure in a team effort that focuses on sobriety and accountability as the primary goals. Because the judge takes on the role of trying to keep participants engaged in treatment, providers can effectively focus on developing a therapeutic relationship with the participant. In turn, treatment providers keep the court informed of each participant's progress so that rewards and sanctions can be provided.
Drug courts create an environment with clear and certain rules.
The rules are based on the participant's performance and are measurable. The participant's performance is immediately and directly communicated to the judge, who rewards progress or penalizes noncompliance. Comprehensive and inclusive planning is critical. Planning begins with a vision of what will be achieved when the drug court succeeds. A mission statement evolves from this vision, giving rise to goals and objectives that create form and function.