Proposition 36
The Substance Abuse Crime Prevention Act, passed by voters in November 2000, mandated probation and treatment services in lieu of incarceration for certain drug offenses. The goal of the program is to protect the community by reducing drug-related crime by means of treatment, preserving jails and prisons for serious and violent offenders.
Approximately 1,900 cases have been referred to the program. The County Probation and Drug and Alcohol departments work closely with the court to make this an effective program.
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Drug Court
The Drug Court program consists of 18 months of treatment and supervision applied at pre-determined levels, identified as phases to approximately 80 Defendants. Each phase has specific requirements and compliance and must be completed before the client can be promoted to the next phase. Upon completion of the program, there is a graduation ceremony at which time the Judges, treatment team personnel, clients and families gather to acknowledge the efforts and accomplishments of those who have successfully completed the program. |
Deferred Entry of Judgment
Deferred Judgment allows approximately 650 first time offenders to receive education and counseling without receiving incarceration as a condition of probation. The program monitors the offender’s attendance, compliance and progress. By completing the program the offender is spared a criminal conviction. However, if violations of the law occur or the offender does not comply with program requirements, the department will recommend to the court that an alternative sentencing disposition is needed.
Narcotics Task Force
The Probation Department has one officer assigned to the County's Narcotics Task Force. This officer supervised a caseload of approximately 65 adults convicted of transporting narcotics or possession of narcotics for sale.
General Drug Offense Supervision
There are approximately 56 adults on formal probation convicted of a drug related charge who did not want services offered through either the Proposition 36, Drug Court or Deferred Entry of Judgment programs. These 56 probationers, are monitored by one probation officer for compliance with the terms and conditions of probation. They are also directed to attend services offered through Narcotics Anonymous, Alcohol Anonymous, Drug and Alcohol Services and other programs specific to their drug offence.