What is the Shelby County Drug Court?
The Shelby County Drug Court is a program designed to place drug addicted individuals into substance abuse treatment instead of jail. People struggling with drug addiction often enter the criminal justice system because of criminal behavior related to drug use. Countless studies have shown that if the underlying drug addiction is not addressed, these individuals will continue to repeat the same criminal behaviors and establish lengthy criminal records.
Where is the drug court located?
The Shelby County Drug Court is presided over by the Honorable Judge Tim Dwyer in Division 8 of the General Sessions Criminal Court. Division 8 is located on the Lower Level of 201 Poplar and all drug court offices are located inside 201 Poplar in downtown Memphis, TN.
How does someone get into the drug court program?
Admission into the drug court is a legal process. Consult a defense attorney. A defense attorney must present a defendant’s case to the prosecutor’s office to determine if drug court is an option.
I have several arrests and convictions on my record. Will I be disqualified from entering the program because of my record?
There are certain prior convictions or conditions that may disqualify a person from participating in drug court. A defense attorney will guide you through the process and determine if you are eligible.
Who is eligible to participate in the drug court program?
Any person with an open criminal case where substance abuse is directly involved may be eligible. The arrest and subsequent criminal case must have occurred within Shelby County/ City of Memphis. We do accept transferred cases from other local courts in Shelby County (City of Bartlett, City of Collierville, etc) if a client is eligible for the program.
Is drug court a mandatory program?
No. Participation is voluntary.
What is a person required to do in drug court?
A client who has entered the drug court program must submit to random drug screens and attend substance abuse treatment sessions. The drug court requires participation in group therapy, one-on-one counseling, and Narcotics Anonymous/ Alcoholic Anonymous sessions. Depending on a several factors, an individual is in the drug court program for a period of 12 or 18 months.
If I complete the program, will my case be dismissed?
It depends on the nature of your case. Some cases are dismissed and then expunged (permanently erased) from your record after graduation. Some types of charges and criminal cases will not come off your record. Consult a defense attorney for more information.
I graduated drug court and I have not been arrested since graduation. I have recently relapsed. I need help. What do I do?
Please contact Katrina Hall at 901-222-3573 or come down to Division 8 and we’ll do whatever we can to get you back on track.