Intensive Probation Drug Court

What Is Intensive Probation Drug Court?

The Drug Court program is a court supervised, intensive treatment concept available only to the non-violent offender.

Before an individual is accepted into the program, they must submit to both a legal and clinical screening. The legal screening involves a thorough research of the individual's rap sheets and details of all prior arrests. The clinical assessment is done through the use of an ASI (Addiction Severity Index). This will determine whether or not there is a substance abuse addiction that would merit the need for treatment.

The length of the Drug Court program is approximately 18-months with a continuum of care including substance abuse counseling, cognitive therapy, and judicial supervision progressing through four phases. This time table, however, is varied depending on the individual's motivation and attitude toward sobriety. In addition, the program provides case management functions to assist with educational needs, employment opportunities 24-hour alcohol monitoring and other ancillary services. Additionally, each participant must attend multiple self help meetings weekly. Monthly fees are required of all participants.

The drug court team meets weekly to staff each participant. Such things as rewards, sanctions, probation concerns, treatment progress, etc. are all part of the drug court team discussions. The team recommendations are then brought before the judges each week prior to each court hearing.

The Drug Court is a voluntary intensive program which requires a total commitment from every participant. Upon successful completion of the program, the participant is eligible to apply to have the conviction expunged from their record in accordance with La.R.S. 13:5304.

Who is Eligible?

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

The offender is charged with a violation of a statute of this state relating to the use and/or possession of any controlled dangerous substance or drug paraphernalia, or there is significant relationship between the substance use and the crime.
The offender is a substance abuser who may be at risk for addiction by habitual use of alcohol and/or other drugs and such use may be to the extent that it endangers the health, safety, or welfare of that person or any other person or group of persons.
The District Attorney has reason to believe that the individual who is charged suffers from alcohol or drug addiction and based upon his criminal record recommends him to the drug court program.
A licensed clinician, upon screening, deems the offender clinically appropriate to benefit from drug treatment. Referrals for mental health services may also be made at that time.
The entire drug court team, including the Judge, the Drug Court Administrator, the Assistant District Attorney, the Public Defender and the Treatment Contractor all agree on the eligibility of the offender.

DISQUALIFICATION CRITERIA

Prior felony conviction or pending charge of a R.S.14:2 violent crime, including the crime before the Court.
Conviction of an aggravated burglary or simple burglary of an inhabited dwelling if the defendant has on prior felony conviction.
Prior conviction for narcotics distribution.
Criminal record of violence.
Criminal record of sex crimes excluding prostitution and crimes against nature.
Criminal record of weapons violations.
Use of a weapon during current offense.
Active confidential informant.
On active parole.
Charges pending or on hold from another jurisdiction.
Illegal alien.
Defendant not capable of participation.
Multiple history of "failure to appear."
Currently in a methadone maintenance program.

What is the Entry Process?

The defendant or his/her attorney must fill out a Request for Consideration form that is available in all divisions of the 24th Judicial District Court. This form is forwarded to the Jefferson Parish District Attorney's Office for initial approval.
After approval from the District Attorney, the defendant is then notified, either through his/her attorney or by the drug court office, to complete the application process.
The Drug Court team will then complete the legal and clinical assessments to determine whether this individual can benefit from the I CAN Drug Court program.
The defendant will then appear before the Court to voluntarily plead under Title 13:5304 as required by state statute.

What is the Cost?

The Drug Court program has a one-time application fee of One Hundred Fifty Dollars ($150.00) which is due upon the participant's acceptance into the program. In addition to the application fee, there is a Two Hundred Dollar ($200.00) probation fee due each month from the participant for the duration of the program.

Payments may be made in office by money order or major credit card, debit card or pre-paid debit card. Payments may also be made on-line 24 hour per day by major credit card, debit card or pre-paid debit card through GovPayNet. Cardholders pay a fee for payments by credit card, debit card or pre-paid debit card.

NOTE: Incidental charges for program materials as well as drug testing confirmations may apply.

Mission Statement

The Intensive Probation Drug Court is a probation program of the Twenty-Fourth Judicial District dedicated to the intervention, treatment and recovery of non-violent offenders.

The Drug Court is a voluntary, deferred sentence program with a committed team approach. The team is comprised of drug court judges, prosecutors. defense counsel, probation officers, treatment professionals and administrative personnel. The goal of the team is to work cooperatively to ensure offenders the opportunity to become productive members of the community through sober and responsible living: thereby, avoiding incarceration, enhancing public safety and reducing recidivism.

Achievement of this goal has been shown to result in substantial savings both in terms of money and lives saved.

Drug Court Contact Information

Deputy Judicial Administrator	John H. Andressen	365-2058
Administrator	Kristen M. Becnel	365-2060
Program Supervisor	Tracey Mussall	365-2061
Administrative Assistant	Hope W. Thibodeaux	365-2066
Secretary	Carolyn Desmares	365-2070
Clerk	Jennifer Rodriguez	364-3478
Case Manager	Vincent Lamia	365-2072
Case Manager	Gilbert Battiste	365-2062
Licensed Clinical Social Worker	Doreen Fowler	364-3580
Probation Coordinator	Kevin Theriot	365-2068
Probation Coordinator	Jacquelyn Green	365-2063
Account Officer	Angela Raines	364-2857