Mission Statement

The mission of the Monroe County Drug Treatment Court is to empower chemically dependant adults to live substance-free and improve their quality of life.

Purpose

The Monroe Circuit Court recognizes that persons with a substance abuse problem commit a majority of the crimes committed in Monroe County.  We believe in order to lessen this problem it is necessary to provide offenders with an opportunity to participate in a program that will provide options to help them with their substance abuse problem.  Such a program will also refer offenders to educational and employment opportunities so that they may become productive members of the Monroe County community.  It is believed that immediate intervention is best achieved at the time of incarceration, rather than after several months have passed.  Therefore, all Drug Court participants must enter the program within 21 days of their arrest.

Honorable MaryEllen Diekhoff, Presiding Judge, Drug Treatment Court

Program  

The program is a minimum of two years and involves the following components:

1. A plea of guilty to a felony offense with no agreement to sentencing should he/she fail to successfully complete the Drug Court Program.  The defendant would further agree to waive sentencing within 30 days.

2. The Defendant will be required to obtain employment and maintain appropriate employment for the duration of the program.

3. The Defendant will be required to complete high school/GED or vocational training if he/she has no apparent marketable job skills.

4. The defendant will be required to submit to random drug/alcohol tests.

5. Substance abuse treatment will be required, as will any additional counseling that is deemed necessary by the treatment provider.

6. Payment of all program fees, including treatment costs associated with completion of this program.

Program Goals   

What are the goals of the Drug Court?

To provide a fully integrated and comprehensive treatment program

To provide graduated levels of sanctions for defendants who are not in compliance with the program.

To facilitate the acquisition or enhancement of academic, vocational, and pro-social skills.

To reduce incarceration for Defendants with serious substance abuse issues.

To reduce criminal justice costs, over the long run, by reducing drug addiction and street crime.

Drug Court is a collaborative effort of:   

Treatment Partners:

Centerstone
Amethyst House
Sunrise Counseling
Pathways

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

• Be a resident of Monroe County;

• Have no past felony convictions for violent offenses, nor any present pending offenses for either misdemeanor or felony violent offenses;

• Have no pending offenses for Dealing in a Controlled Substance.  Past convictions for Dealing offenses may affect possible participation in this program;

• Be at least eighteen years of age or older and have previous unsuccessful opportunities at either probation or treatment;

• Have no warrants outstanding or open parole or probation violations in any other county;

• Have no indication that a firearm was in possession during the commission of the present offense, nor have any prior convictions for firearm violations;

• Have indications of recent or past substance abuse arrests and the defendant admits to substance abuse/addiction;

• Be willing to participate in all aspects of the Drug Court Program.

►How does it work?  

Drug Court is a voluntary program available to defendants who meet the eligibility  requirements.

• Participants enter a plea and begin the Drug Court program typically within 21 days of their arrest.  They must complete a minimum two-year program that involves intensive treatment, regular court appearances, frequent drug testing, education, counseling and payment of fees.

• Upon successful completion of all requirements of the Drug Court program, the charges are dismissed or reduced. 

►How do I find out more information?

• By phone:          (812) 349-2000

• By email:            probation@co.monroe.in.us

• By mail:              405 West 7^th Street, Suite 2

 Bloomington, IN  47404

• Contact person:  Steve Malone, Drug Court Coordinator

Home | Back to Top | Disclaimer | Contact Us