Misdemeanor Drug Court
The Mahoning County Misdemeanor Drug Court is an innovative approach in dealing with the impact of alcohol and substance abuse related crimes in our community. The Drug Court is an alternative approach in which substance abuse offenders are placed in the community based treatment programs instead of going to jail.
Judges, attorneys, law enforcement officials and treatment professionals work collaboratively as a team to divert substance abusing offenders out of the Criminal Justice System and aid them in living productive and drug/alcohol free lives.
Through January 2004, the Mahoning County Misdemeanor Drug Court has served a total of 140 Participants: 66 Graduates, 49 Negative Terminations (which includes 5 who voluntarily opted out of the program, and 14 who were terminated by being A.W.O.L. over 90 days), 1 Medical Termination, and 25 Current Participants.
Of the Graduates, 5 had had new criminal charges filed against them with just 2 convictions (a recidivism or repeat offender rate of less than 4%). Among the 5 who wee charged, there were a total of 9 charges: 1 matter was dismissed, 1 individual has a bench warrant, and the remainder are currently pending. Additionally, 5 graduates have had a total of 5 serious traffic offenses charged: there were convictions on 1 driving while intoxicated, 1 under the age of 21 driving while intoxicated, and 1 driving under suspension; 1 driving under suspension was pleaded down to a no operator’s license; 1 driving while intoxicated is pending. 11 other graduates have had a total of 19 minor traffic offenses brought, resulting in 17 convictions, 1 dismissal, and 1 matter still pending.
Of those terminated from the program, 16 have had a total of 33 new criminal charges filed, resulting in conviction of 13 of these individuals on 26 of the charges (or a recidivism rate of 35%); the remainder of these charges are still pending. 6 of those terminated have had 7 serious traffic offenses charged, resulting in 3 convictions of driving under suspension and 1 for driving while intoxicated, with 3 driving under suspension charges pending. 5 of those terminated have had a total of 8 minor traffic offenses charged, all resulting in convictions.
What Is The Drug Court Program?
First, the primary function of the Drug Court Program is to ensure that the individual lives a drug and alcohol free life. The Drug Court Program is a formal legal process where substance abusing individuals who have been arrested for a misdemeanor charge in one of the four Mahoning County Courts and may choose to enter a drug rehabilitation program instead of facing a potential jail term. This program lasts a minimum of six consecutive months of sobriety, but may be extended based upon the individual’s treatment.
Who Is Eligible?
Individuals who have pending misdemeanor offenses in the Mahoning County Courts at Austintown, Boardman, Canfield or Sebring are eligible. Individuals who are charged with fifth-degree felonies may also be considered. After a criminal background check by the Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, and a substance abuse assessment by T.A.S.C., the individual may plead into the Misdemeanor Drug Court.
What are the advantages?
Drug Court participants receive the appropriate drug or alcohol treatment. They obtain their drivers licenses, earn their GED and are employed full time or are attending school. Participants are reunited with their families and become productive members of society. In the end, upon successful completion of the program, the misdemeanor charges are dismissed and the individual is on his/her road to recovery.
How Tough Is It To Successfully Complete?
The program is fairly simple but not easy. Drug Court participants are to meet the following requirements:
- Not use any mood altering chemicals, including alcohol
- Submit to random urine screens
- Attend all counseling sessions and complete assignments
- Appear in Court on a weekly basis
- Follow all the rules of the treatment agency , TASC, and the Drug Court
- Avoid all criminal behavior
- Avoid and agree not to socialize with substance abusing using people
What Happens to Non-Compliant Participants?
If Participants fail to comply with the rules of the Program, the Court may impose certain sanctions. Sanctions may include:
- Increased court appearances
- Increased urine screens
- House arrest
- Community service
- County jail time
- Termination from the Program
- How Does One Become a Participant?
To become a Drug Court Participant an individual needs to express interest to the Judge, their attorney, the Prosecutor, or the Misdemeanor Drug Court Coordinator.
Who Are the Drug Court Staff?
Honorable Scott D. Hunter, Misdemeanor Drug Court Judge
Atty. Jennifer Paris, Misdemeanor Drug Court Prosecutor
George B. Sofranko, Misdemeanor Drug Court Coordinator
What Are The Agencies That Comprise The Drug Court Team?
Community Corrections Association
1507 Market Street
Youngstown, Ohio 44507
(330) 744-5143
Click here for a map and driving directions.
Meridian Services, Inc.
527 N. Meridian Road
Youngstown, Ohio 44509
(330) 797-0070
Click here for a map and driving directions.
Neil Kennedy Recovery Clinic
2151 Rush Boulevard
Youngstown, Ohio 44507
(330) 744-1181
Click here for a map and driving directions.
T.A.S.C. (Treatment Alternative to Street Crime)
105 E. Boardman Street
Youngstown, Ohio 44503
Phone (330) 743-2912
Fax (330) 743-2408
E-Mail: TASC@cboss.com
Click here for a map and driving directions.
Mahoning County Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services Board
20 Federal Street, West, 2nd Floor
Youngstown, Ohio 44503
(330) 743-9509
Click here for a map and driving directions.