Drug Courts in Texas

INFORMATION ABOUT DRUG COURTS IN TEXAS

In 2001, the Texas Legislature mandated the creation of drug courts in counties with populations of more than 550,000. HB 1287 defines a drug court program as having the following essential characteristics:

• Integration of alcohol and other drug treatment services in the processing of cases in the judicial system;
• Use of a non-adversarial approach by prosecutors and defense attorneys to promote public safety and to protect the due process rights of participants;
• Early identification and prompt placement of eligible participants in the program;
• Access to a continuum of alcohol, drug, and related treatment and rehabilitative services;
• Monitoring of abstinence through weekly alcohol and other drug testing;
• A coordinated strategy to govern program responses to participant’s compliance;
• On-going judicial interaction with program participants;
• Monitoring and evaluation of program goals and effectiveness;
• Continuing interdisciplinary education to promote effective program planning, implementation, and operations;
• Development of partnerships with public agencies and community organizations.

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