What Is Adult Drug Court?
Adult Drug Court is an alternative to jail that connects individuals with treatment instead of punishment. It provides structured, evidence-based care for people with substance use disorders involved in the justice system. The goal is to reduce future offenses, support recovery, and increase community safety.
Adult Drug Court is a partnership among the Second Judicial Circuit Court, Office of the State Attorney, Public Defender’s Office, Leon County, Florida Department of Corrections, Probation and Parole, and DISC Village. The program lasts a minimum of twelve (12) months and requires a firm commitment on the part of participants. Adult drug courts are an alternative to incarceration that combine public health and public safety approaches to connect people involved in the justice system with individualized, evidence-based treatment and recovery support services. Adult drug courts are the most carefully studied and well-proven intervention in our nation’s history for leading people with substance use disorders out of the justice system and into lives of health and recovery.
Leon County established one of the nation’s first pre-adjudicatory Felony Drug Courts in 1993. DISC Village partners with the Second Judicial Circuit Court, the Office of the State Attorney, the Public Defender’s Office, and the Florida Department of Corrections to provide treatment and supervision through this life-changing program.
How the Adult Drug Court Program Works
The Office of the State Attorney must approve any individual interested in participating in the pretrial diversion program.
Participants commit to at least 12 months of structured, outpatient treatment and recovery support. The program includes:
- Outpatient individual and group counseling treatment
- Inpatient/residential treatment (if necessary)
- Random drug testing
- Mental health treatment (if necessary)
- Participation in mutual support/self-help groups
- No new law violations
- Monthly reporting
Successful completion of the program can result in the dismissal of felony charges, allowing participants to rebuild their lives with a clean record and new opportunities.
Eligibility and Referral Process
Participation requires approval from the Office of the State Attorney. Eligible individuals are non-violent offenders without an extensive criminal record. Referrals are made through the Second Circuit Criminal Case Management Unit.
Eligibility and exclusion criteria for the Drug Court are predicated on empirical evidence indicating which types of offenders can be treated safely and effectively in the program. Candidates are evaluated for admission to the Drug Court using evidence-based assessment tools and procedures. The team works to meet the risk and need levels of the participants. Eligible participants enter into an agreed contract that outlines their successful commitment to the program. The general Drug Court
Participant’s setup for success includes:
- Recovery
- Housing
- Employment, Student, or have other legal/sustainable means to support themselves
- Paid Fees
How Adult Drug Court Differs from Jail
Adult Drug Court focuses heavily on recovery and accountability. Participants remain in the community, attend counseling, and receive professional treatment to address the root causes of substance use.
- Treatment-based: Addresses behavioral health, not just criminal behavior.
- Supportive supervision: A multidisciplinary team monitors progress and provides encouragement.
- Outcome-focused: Completion leads to case dismissal and improved long-term health outcomes.
Referral Process and Eligibility
The Office of the State Attorney must approve any individual interested in participating in the pretrial diversion program. Successful completion of the diversion option will result in the Court’s dismissal of the felony charges filed against the individual. The Drug Court program is part of the Second Circuit Criminal Case Management Unit. Any case recommended to the Drug Court from the trial court must have a Referral Form completed and transmitted to the Criminal Case Management Unit, see the Referral Form click box to the left of this page.
Eligibility and exclusion criteria for the Drug Court are predicated on empirical evidence indicating which types of offenders can be treated safely and effectively in the program. Candidates are evaluated for admission to the Drug Court using evidence-based assessment tools and procedures. The team works to meet the risk and need levels of the participants. Eligible participants enter into an agreed contract that outlines their successful commitment to the program. The general Drug Court Participant’s setup for success includes:
- Recovery
- Housing
- Employment, Student, or have other legal/sustainable means to support themselves
- Paid Fees
Program Fees
Program fees are $95.00 per month for a minimum of twelve (12) months and each additional month in the program. The program usually lasts from 12 to 18 months depending on individual progress. It is the participant’s responsibility to pay the fees to the Clerk of Courts. Other fees may be incurred in addition to the regular program fees such as: additional testing or with positive results reported that require additional testing, treatment provider fees, service agency fees, etc.
Why Choose DISC Village’s Adult Drug Court Program
For more than 50 years, DISC Village has provided compassionate, evidence-based care throughout North Florida. Our Adult Drug Court program reflects our mission to promote recovery, reduce stigma, and strengthen communities. Every participant receives personalized care and the opportunity for a second chance.