OKANOGAN COUNTY THERAPEUTIC COURTS

Okanogan County Adult Felony Drug Court, was established in 2005 and represents coordinated efforts of justice and treatment professionals who actively intervene and break the cycle of substance abuse, addiction, and crime.  As an alternative to less effective interventions, Okanogan County Adult Felony Drug Court quickly identifies substance abusing offenders and places them under ongoing judicial monitoring, community supervision, coupled with effective, long-term treatment services. In 2012 we added Okanogan County DUI Court and it is modeled after our Adult Felony Drug Court.

Overview

Okanogan County Adult Felony Drug Court is an 24 month, four-phase program and DUI Court is a 12 month, three-phase program for adults who have been charged with one or more non-violent drug or DUI offenses and who are having difficulty staying clean and sober. It is a collaborative effort between the Superior Court Judge, District Court Judge Prosecuting Attorney's Office, Public Defenders Office, Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office, Probation, Okanogan Behavioral HealthCare, Community Supervision Officer and Treatment Program.  By working together, they seek to provide a variety of programs and consistent supervision geared toward supporting and helping the participant maintain a crime and drug-free life.

Okanogan County Therapeutic Courts involve frequent court appearances, random drug testing as well as group and individual counseling. The Court awards incentives for compliant behavior and imposes sanctions for negative behavior. Failure to comply with the program can lead to minor or major sanctions, up to termination.  

Successful completion of the drug court program may result in dismissal of the charges, reduced or set aside sentences, lesser penalties, or a combination of these. Most importantly, graduating participants gain the necessary tools to rebuild their lives. Since 2009 we have had a 70% success rate of participant that have graduated and continued on with sobriety. Many participants have moved on to having families reunited, starting new families, maintain employment, and finding new hope. 

With these types of success it helps reduce the crime levels in our community. Additionally, for every $1.00 invested in Drug Court, taxpayers save as much as $3.36 in avoided criminal justice costs alone. These courts produce a cost savings ranging from $3,000 to $13,000 per client. These cost savings reflect reduced prison costs, reduced revolving-door arrests and trials, and reduced victimization.

Okanogan County Therapeutic Court Teams

The Therapeutic Court Teams make the decisions regarding participation in the program.  In addition to the Judges the Therapeutic Court Teams consist of the following members:

• Defense Attorney

• Prosecuting Attorney

• Community Supervision Officer / Coordinator

• Treatment Provider(s)

• Law Enforcement

• Case Manager

• Probation

Prior to court sessions, the team members familiarize themselves with current progress reports so that they may discuss that progress with the participant during the courts sessions.  

Okanogan County Drug Court hearings are every Friday morning at 10:00 am in Superior Court. Okanogan County DUI Court hearings are normally held twice a month. Please call Okanogan County District Court for exact dates.

For more information about Okanogan County Therapeutic Courts:

Additional Therapeutic Courts will be available in Okanogan County in the near future.  Keep checking on their development!

Additional Resources:

• Okanogan County Superior Court

• Okanogan County District Court

• Bureau of Justice Assistance 

• National Drug Court Institute 

• National Association of Drug Court Professionals