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The judges and staff of the Superior Court of Cobb County congratulate the five people who completed the Drug Treatment Court program on Monday.
The intensive program, suited for offenders who are generally non-violent, lasts a minimum of two years and aims to treat an individual’s underlying addictions and return him or her to a productive member of society while reducing incarceration costs.
“My decision to participate in the drug court program saved my life,” said Timothy, 35, who was previously charged with methamphetamines possession and was among Monday’s graduates. “This program works if you work at it.”
Graduate Wilmer, 52, entered the program in 2019 after an arrest for possession of methamphetamines and cocaine.
“The Cobb County Drug Court program is one of the best ideas the judicial system has ever come up with. It gives people with addiction problems another chance at life. So much of the life I have now, I would never have had without this program,” Wilmer said. “It’s a hard program, and they will hold you accountable. But if you stick with it and do what they ask you to do, it’s well worth it.”
Robert, 56, was also charged with possession of methamphetamines and dangerous drugs before seeking admittance into Drug Treatment Court. “I am a member of the Drug Court program and now a productive member of society. It works,” he said.
Judge Mary Staley Clark now presides over Drug Court, succeeding Senior Judge George Kreeger. A team that includes prosecutors, treatment counselors, probation officers, administrators and the presiding judge, reviews each request for participation in Drug Treatment Court, and monitors admitted participants throughout. Punishment for violations can range from a night in jail to expulsion from the program.
Various county and state offices collaborate with the judges in operating individual Accountability Courts. For more information, visit cobbcounty.org/SuperiorAC
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