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Drug & DUI Court

About Our Program

The Drug Court program was initiated in 1996, and the DUI Court soon followed in 2001. Our program is designed to divert individuals from prison or jail while helping them achieve and maintain total abstinence from drugs and alcohol. By reducing re-arrests and promoting self-sufficiency and community integration through treatment, gainful employment, and continuing education, we can help our graduates lead a more satisfying, productive, and law-abiding lifestyle.

Who is Eligible?

Drug & DUI Treatment Courts are court-supervised programs that provide intensive treatment and supervision for non-violent criminal offenders. These specialty courts are specifically designed for those facing felony drug or alcohol charges, or other criminal charges closely related to substance abuse or mental illness.

Eligibility Requirements

  • The DUI Treatment Court accepts only "Driving Under the Influence" (DUI) or other driving-related felony charges. Individuals with violent charges or those involving guns or gang-related activities are not eligible for the Drug and DUI Treatment Court.
  • To apply for the Drug or DUI Treatment Court, you must submit an application. This application will be forwarded to the Tulsa County District Attorney’s Office for an eligibility review. The DA's Office serves as the gatekeeper per Oklahoma statute and will determine your legal eligibility.

Process & Requirements

Learn more about the investigation process, admission, voluntary participation requirements, and program duration here.

Investigation

If your criminal charges and history are approved by the DA’s Office, you will be referred for an investigation. This investigation will be conducted by program staff designated by the supervising Drug Court Judge and will include standardized screening tests and a personal interview.

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Admission

If you choose to participate in the Drug & DUI Treatment Court program and are approved for admission, you will be instructed to appear in court for an Entry of Plea. When you arrive at court for your Entry of Plea, either your attorney or a public defender will advise you of your rights and discuss the program rules and requirements.

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Participation

Participation in the program is voluntary. This means that YOU must choose to take part in this program. Our dedicated team—including the judge, court staff, supervision officers, and treatment counselors—will guide and assist you, but the ultimate responsibility for your success lies with you.

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Duration

The program consists of 5 phases, and you must successfully complete all phases to graduate. The program requires a minimum of 18 months of participation: at least 12 months in active treatment, followed by a minimum of 6 months of community transition (aftercare), during which you will remain under supervision but not be in active treatment.

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Our Impact

The Drug & DUI Treatment Court programs are transforming lives and making positive changes within the community.
ST
First drug court in OK – Est. 1996
%
Increase in children living with graduates
/10
Completion rate in felony treatment courts

Lives Changed

Hear firsthand from those who have experienced the life-changing benefits of our programs.
“I was a hopeless, lost and scared drug addict when the drug court intervened and saved my life. Drug court encouraged me all the way. Even when I didn’t think I could make it, I always did. I’m beyond grateful for the life I live today. I’m no longer a drug addicted low life deadbeat mom. I am a successful mom, daughter, granddaughter, girlfriend, employee, and a productive member of society. I’ve overcome the impossible and made it possible. I’m forever grateful and beyond blessed for the opportunity to change my life for the better.”

Taylor Thornburg

2024 Graduate
“I’ve learned that recovery isn’t a finish line; it’s a lifelong path. The Drug Court Program has equipped me with skills and the mindset to navigate this journey. I’m thankful for the guidance support and lessons learned. Sobriety is my superpower!”

Regina Stas

2024 Graduate
“Just try it! It just may save your life.”

Willie Townsend

2024 Graduate
“I’m grateful for this program, it gave me a true transformation.”

Chasse Filhiol

2024 Graduate
“In the past 11 years as a Public Defender, I have had the opportunity to represent clients who were in Drug Court, DUI Court, Veteran’s Treatment Court and Mental Health Court. This has allowed me to see firsthand the impact these programs make and how they are a vehicle for personal transformation. I have seen, repeatedly, men and women from all walks of life who, gripped by addiction, have hit rock bottom and are facing criminal charges that involve prison sentences who were able to completely turn their lives around. Even on the hardest of days, the participants always make me so thankful for my good fortune in getting to be a part of something so incredible.”

Bliss Lowe

Assistant Public Defender
“Working in Drug Court has been a very rewarding experience. Of all the dockets in the courthouse, it is one of the only places where all parties are in a better position when the program is completed. It’s great to watch people get their lives and families back in order.”

Zack Manley

Assistant District Attorney
“Getting involved with the Alternative Courts not only saved our lives and our relationship, but it also gave us the incredible opportunity to become the healthiest and happiest versions of ourselves for our children. Now, we use our recovery to help guide other struggling addicts down the same path. Thank you, FDC!”

Jordan & Madison

2015 Graduates
“I learned that I can have a awesome and hardworking sober life. That not only allows me understand how life works but also lets me be the awesome, amazing man and father I am today. I appreciate my drug court team and the Arise program for helping me find a better way of living happily, sober, and free.”

Joshua Rucker

2024 Graduate
“Drug Court saved my life. The team believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself. Today, 9 years clean, my life is more amazing than I could have ever imagined. I am forever grateful!”

Sherri Stewart

2017 Female Drug Court Graduate
“Getting arrested and having the chance to do drug court is actually the best thing that ever happened to me. I had no idea about the life that was waiting for me. It was hard work, but man was it worth it! My life today is unbelievable. I have my family, self-esteem, and confidence back. I had people that actually wanted to see me succeed; the judge, my counselors, and the case managers. My life today is nothing like it was before and for that I am eternally grateful.”

Okie Shaw

2023 Male Drug Court graduate

Drug/DUI Court Team

Jera Thompson

Male Drug & DUI Court Coordinator

Candy Horn

Female Drug & DUI & Court Co-Occurring Coordinator

Judge Horton

Special Judge

Bliss Lowe

Assistant Public Defender

Zack Manley

Assistant District Attorney

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  • The results of the investigation will provide recommendations regarding your admission to the program, as well as suggestions for assignment to an appropriate treatment agency and an initial treatment plan if you are admitted.
  • You are encouraged to be truthful and forthcoming with the staff, as this information is crucial for determining your eligibility. The results will be presented to the Judge, District Attorney, your defense attorney, and you before the final eligibility hearing.
  • The investigation will take approximately 2 hours, and will cover the following information:
  1. Applicant’s age
  2. Employment and military service records
  3. Educational background and literacy level
  4. Community and family relations
  5. Prior and current drug and alcohol use
  6. Mental health and medical treatment history, including substance abuse history
  7. Demonstrable motivation
  8. Other mitigating or aggravating factors
  • After your plea into the Drug & DUI Treatment Court, your attorney and/or public defender will continue to represent you throughout your participation in the program until successful graduation.
  • It is crucial to understand the long-term commitment necessary for the successful completion of the program. Participants will engage in community support meetings, attend substance abuse treatment services, and participate in mental health treatment if indicated.
  • Additionally, at any time, as ordered by the Judge, you may be required to wear a GPS (global positioning device) or SCRAM. If you have been charged with a DUI offense (currently or in the past) and have a valid driver’s license, you must obtain and maintain an interlock device with a camera on your vehicle. You will also be required to strict community supervision, random drug testing, and be required to wear a 24-hour alcohol monitoring device (SCRAM) for a minimum of 3 months. Regular appearances in court are mandatory.
  • The average time for completion is approximately 24 months. Please note that this is only an average length for completion, and your time is based on your individual needs and progress in the program.

Let's Get Started

First we’ll need to gather some basic information to determine your eligibility. Fill out the form below, download the application and a member of our team will be in touch soon.