Treatment & Accountability
Drug Court is a Cowlitz County Superior Court 12 month program that offers eligible participants the chance to enter treatment for drug addiction and have their current charge(s) dismissed if s/he successfully completes the program.
Superior Court started the drug court program in August 1999 at the insistence of Judge Stephen Warning. It was one of the earliest drug court programs in the State of Washington and continues to be a leader in the state.
Updates on our Facebook Page!
Community Service
One of the hallmarks of the program is the significant number of community service hours that participants have given back to the community. Initially used as a sanction for minor infractions, community service has become part of the program culture, with participants volunteering for such non-profit agencies as Habitat for Humanity, the Longview Housing Authority, Dogapaloosa and the 1414 Club, Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Legal Aid, and many more. Though still used as a sanction for minor infractions of the program, the drug court community service volunteers have provided hundreds of hours of completely volunteer services back to the community.
If you have a non-profit organization, and are interested in some of our volunteers, please contact our volunteer coordinator at the drug court office at 360-414-5508.
Who is Eligible?
The participant must be an adult charged with VUCSA (Violation of the Uniform Controlled Substance Act).
VUCSA cannot be delivery or intent to deliver.
Other eligible offenses include:
- Theft 1 and 2
- Forged Prescription
- Forgery
- Unlawful Issuance of a Bank Check
- Possession of Stolen Property 1 and 2
- Malicious Mischief 1 and 2
- some Burglary 2(non-residential)
- some Identity Thefts
- and Vehicle Prowl.
Goals for Drug Court
Reduce criminal recidivism by providing assessment, education and treatment to drug/alcohol addicted criminal offenders.
Monitor treatment compliance through frequent court contact and supervision.
Require strict accountability from participants and impose immediate sanctions for unacceptable behavior.
Reallocate resources to provide an effective alternative to traditional prosecution and incarceration of non-violent/non-sex offenders.
If you are interested in our program, you can download a Drug Court Brochure.
Would your Organization like to Learn More?
Please contact our offices at 360-414-5508 and we would be more than happy to have our Judge and Manager come to your group and speak on the topic. You are also welcome to visit any of our court dockets which occur every Thursday at 3:00 and/or one of our Graduation Ceremonies which occur on a quarterly basis. Please call for a schedule!
