Another Drug Court Headed to Region

By The Associated Press
KOSCIUSKO, Miss. (AP) — Attala County has agreed to be the hub for a new drug court in the Fifth Circuit Court District.The Star Herald reports that the board of supervisors heard this week from Circuit Judge C.E. Morgan III.

Drug courts seek to rehabilitate drug-using offenders through drug treatment and intense supervision with frequent court appearances and random drug testing.

Drug courts offer the incentive of a chance to remain out of jail and be employed and the sanction of a prison sentence if participants fail to remain drug-free and in compliance with all program requirements.

“Other counties have had good success with it,” Morgan said.

Morgan said the court would meet once or twice a month and two drug court personnel would handle the everyday operations, including drug testing and collecting payment for the program.

The drug court would be at no cost to the county and would be funded by the state.

No violent offenders are allowed in the drug court program.

The extensive program in which participates are monitored and tested for drugs usually lasts for at least three years. During that time they have to earn a GED if they don’t have a high school diploma, offenders have to hold down a job and honor child support obligations when applicable.

The 5th Circuit Court District is made up of Attala, Carroll, Choctaw, Grenada, Montgomery, Webster and Winston counties.

Categories: Crime, Local News

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