Participant Guidelines and Requirements

Drug Court defendants are required to appear at Drug Court each week. Prior to Drug Court the drug court team will meet to discuss each defendant’s progress. Attendance and participation in treatment is discussed as well as results of drug tests, progress with other conditions of probation, involvement with other agencies, and other issues which relate to the defendant’s progress or regression. It is at this time that sanctions, if necessary, are discussed as to what would benefit the defendant the most and get them back on track. Appropriate praise and support are also discussed for those who are progressing and deserving of such.

Sanctions have included Public Service Work, Essays, Curfew, Banning Orders, Home Detention (with ankle monitor or checks), increased treatment recommendations, Jail and ultimately a Petition to Revoke Probation.

Criteria for Inclusion in the Drug Court Program

1. Felony conviction
2. Non-violent history
3. Not a drug dealer
4. Resident of Champaign County
5. Must be screened by TASC and found to be a drug user who would benefit from treatment
6. Must be sentenced in an "Open Sentencing Hearing (no plea agreements) with presentence report
7. Sentence usually is 24 months or greater

Graduation Guidelines

1. One year sobriety
2. Continuously involved in a sobriety based self help group, with a 12-step program.
3. Must have a sponsor approved by Prairie Center or other designated treatment provider.
4. Employed
5. Obtaining a GED if no high school diploma

Exceptions to the guidelines may be granted on a case by case basis depending upon the specific circumstances of the defendant. 

Post Graduate Requirements

While Drug Court defendants are still on probation, after graduation, the following is expected of them monthly.

1. Attend one Drug Court hearing
2. Contact with Probation Officer
3. Drug Court Group attendance
4. Random drug testing
5. Continued payment on any fines/costs

Requirements of Participants of the Drug Court Program

1. Abide by all standard conditions of probation
2. Report every Monday at 1:00 PM in Court Room "K" unless otherwise instructed
3. Attend and participate in all counseling and/or group sessions as recommended by Prairie Center or other treatment provider
4. Abide by any orders banning the individual from places or people in established (sanctions)
5. Abide by any curfew if imposed
6. Refrain from using alcohol, cannabis or any controlled substance and submit to random drug testing as directed
7. Authorize the full exchange of information with any agency involved in your program
8. Pay all costs and/or fines as imposed