Published: 24 January 2012
Developed in 2005 as a program for repeat driving under the influence offenders, the Cherokee County DUI/Drug Treatment Court recently was awarded more than $31,000 for its efforts to deter habitual impaired drivers.
“This is not a diversion program; it is a post adjudication program making the impaired driver accountable for his or her actions,” a press release issued Jan. 13 said.
DUI/Drug Court Executive Director Lynn Epps said the $31,700 (50/50 matching) grant would be used to offset administrative and testing costs.
“Specifically the funds aid in administrative salaries and helps offset the cost of testing,” Epps said.
The Cherokee DUI/Drug Court has a great success rate, with very few offenders repeating.
“After six years of service, the DUI Court still boasts a 5 percent recidivism rate with 263 graduates and 19 slated for graduation in February,” Epps said.
Created by State Court Judge C.J. Gober Jr. as a means to educate and provide treatment services to repeat DUI offenders in the county, the DUI/Drug Court requires all program participants to attend 90 AA meetings in 90 days; attend group counseling two hours a week, each week; adhere to periodic individual counseling; comply with daily call-in for random alcohol and/or drug testing; attend court and probation twice a month; and allow home visits.
Officials said the DUI/Drug Court is cost-saving to Cherokee County residents, as the repeat offender pays for the bulk of the program, which averages $5,000 per person.
The total savings for taxpayers is $2.14 in the justice system for every $1 spent on the DUI/Drug Court. In addition to participation fees, the program is funded through fine amounts for the Drug Abuse Treatment and Education Fund and private donations.
For more information on this program, contact Epps at (678) 493-6450.
