Everything You Need to Know About the Cobb County Drug Court
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History of the Cobb County Drug Court
A drug court is a criminal sentencing option designed to drastically reduce the abuse of drugs and alcoholic substances. It is a treatment program where individuals faced with drug or alcohol charges can get second chances without going to prison.
A group of experts thought up the first drug court sometime in 1989. These experts came together and decided that there should be a more effective, longer-lasting solution to drug problems in the lives of offenders. The first drug court was based in Florida.
Over the years, drug courts have proven to be very effective by reducing drug usage in offenders, providing a means for offenders to get a second chance and live a more productive life, generating cost savings for the community, and more.
The Cobb County Drug Court is intended for individuals who are suspected and charged with a variety of drug-related felony crimes, including forgery of prescriptions and possession of controlled substances. In this drug court, accused individuals undergo professional drug treatments, supervision, and finally, rehabilitation.
While this option is available to many drug offenders in Cobb County, it takes a great attorney to successfully advocate for it in court. If you are facing drug charges, The Waltman Firm has what it takes to skillfully represent you and fight for your best interests.
Cobb County Drug Treatment Court Programs
The Cobb County Drug Treatment Court is a dedicated drug court that works hard to help curb substance abuse by providing intensive, thorough treatment, surveillance, and psychological and judicial advice to individuals addicted to illegal substances.
This court holds its participants fully responsible for their actions which makes it easier to implement the habit of complying with and completing the program rules. To be eligible for enrollment in this drug court, offenders must be at least 17 years of age and be a resident of Cobb County. They must not meet any of the Court’s exclusion criteria, which include a history of violent conduct, severe mental illness, an unstable medical condition or severe developmental deficiency, a possession with intent charge, and more.
The Cobb County Drug Treatment Court consists of two types of programs: Regular Track Program and Immediate Track Program.
Regular Track Program
This 18-month program is the more intensive of the two programs. It is intended for individuals facing high-risk, non-violent cases.
The individuals involved in these cases are generally treated as “high-need” participants because they need more intensive supervision and psychological evaluation.
Immediate Track Program
This court program, although as thorough and intensive as the regular track program, runs for 12 months. The individuals involved in this court program are usually low-need participants.
What Happens in Drug Court?
Below are the five primary court phases you must undergo to complete your Cobb County Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation Program.
- Orientation stage. Participants are introduced to the program through regular meetings and are educated about the rules and regulations of the program. During this, the offender will be subjected to random drug screening and must attend court on a weekly basis. This stage usually lasts for approximately eight weeks.
- Education on addiction. Stage one must be completed for the participant to be eligible for this next stage. In this stage, the individual is educated thoroughly on addiction, and family members and loved ones are advised to be present for moral support. This stage usually lasts for around 16 weeks.
- Prevention of relapse. In this stage, the individual is monitored, and more intensive education, psychotherapy, and didactic groups are still in session. This stage usually lasts for around 20 weeks.
- Building of foundation. This stage involves building the participants’ characters. It reintroduces them to basic communication skills and builds their interpersonal skills. This stage usually lasts for 12 weeks.
- Participant maintenance. The individual receives no treatment in this final stage; instead, it deals with helping the participants get back into the real world and regain accountability over their lives.
Cobb County Drug Court Hours
The Cobb County drug court’s hours vary depending on whether you are participating in the Regular Track Program or the Immediate Track Program.
The following is an overview of the schedule and hours for the Regular Track Program:
- First phase: Each session lasts for 1 hour and 30 minutes, four times a week.
- Second phase: Each session lasts for 1 hour and 30 minutes, three times a week.
- Third phase: Each session lasts for 1 hour and 30 minutes, three times a week.
- Fourth phase: Each session lasts for 1 hour and 30 minutes, two times a week.
- Fifth phase: Each session lasts for 1 hour and 30 minutes, three times a week.
The following is an overview of the schedule and hours for the Immediate Track Program:
- First phase: Each session lasts for 1 hour, three times a week.
- Second phase: Each session lasts for 1 hour, two times a week.
- Third phase: Each session lasts for 1 hour, two times a week.
- Fourth phase: Each session lasts for 1 hour, once a week.
Cobb County Drug Court Judges
Cobb County Drug Court judges work in the Superior Court of Cobb County, which handles a variety of criminal and civil cases. The judges involved in this panel deal with more than drug issues and are in charge of hearing motions, conducting jury trials, ruling evidence, and more.
This court appoints ten judges that rule over a four-year term. An experienced drug defense attorney can provide more information about the Cobb County Government-appointed Superior Court judges in charge of drug-related non-violent felony cases and help you present your case to them to secure a favorable outcome.
Cobb County Drug Court Phone Number
The phone number of the Cobb County Drug Court Coordinator is (770) 528-8567. This can be a great resource if you are currently participating in the Drug Court, but if you are currently facing legal proceedings and have not yet been approved to participate, it is in your best interest to contact a Cobb County criminal defense attorney instead.
Click here to reach out to the attorneys at The Waltman Firm, who can answer any questions you may have and help you develop a strong defense against your drug charges. You can also call us 24/7 at 770.235.1015 to schedule a consultation, where we’ll discuss your charges and your eligibility to participate in the Cobb County Drug Treatment Court.
