Rigorous drug court has three graduates
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“God bless the drug court program and thank you for giving me another chance,” said graduate Mark Fults, who was one of the first three graduates, along with his wife Rebecca Fults and David Driver.
The graduation was the culmination of two years of preparation by the volunteers who operate the drug court and a year of tough scrutiny for the drug court participants.
“This is not an easy thing to do. As a matter of fact, I’m sure the participants will say it’s the toughest thing they’ve ever done,” said Circuit Court Judge Bart Stanley during graduation Tuesday.
Drug court is offered to non-violent drug offenders who may apply to the court for admittance in place of serving their sentence in prison. The idea of the course, according to Judge Stanley, is to try to turn the person into a productive member of society instead of locking them up.
“Many addicts aren’t mean people, they’re just addicts and if it weren’t for their addictions, they would be law-abiding members of society,” Stanley said. “What we want to do is take away that addiction part so they can contribute.”
In the case of three graduates, the combined trio would have faced 12 years in prison.
“Think how much that would have cost the taxpayers, holding them for 12 years,” Stanley said. “Instead, they’ve paid in over $5,500 in taxes while with us. They’re not taking away, they’re contributing, giving back.”
Judge Stanley pointed out only those truly dedicated to recovery can complete the intensive minimum one year course.
Among the requirements are random and frequent drug tests, surprise home inspections at any hour, attendance of alcohol and/or drug treatment sessions, mental health sessions, weekly attendance of court, mandatory GED attainment, and full-time employment or public service work equaling 40 hours per week.
In addition to the requirements, all people entering drug court must first enter guilty pleas to their charges and admit they have a problem. This means if they drop out or are forced out of the course, they must go to prison.
However, Judge Stanley said only one of the 15 enrollees has dropped out. The amount of time drug court takes to complete depends on if there are setbacks such as violations or bad drug tests during the period.
In presenting plaques to the graduates, Judge Stanley noted the Fultses are today leaders of the local Narcotics Anonymous group, helping addicts cope with their problem. Driver is a student at a university.
While graduating the drug court, all three will remain on probation until their sentences are complete.