Douglas County DUI Court

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2 Douglas County DUI Court DUI COURT DIRECTOR Anita Grainger Phone: Phone: Cell: Cell: DUI COURT CASE MANAGER Nilsa Martin Fax: Fax: DUI COURT PROBATION OFFICER Mario Walker Phone: Fax: OFFICE LOCATION: MAILING ADDRESS: Old Douglas County Courthouse Douglas County Courthouse Douglas County DUI Court Douglas County DUI Court 6754 Broad Street, Lower Level 8700 Hospital Drive Douglasville, Ga Douglasville, Ga This handbook belongs to: NOTES: 2

3 Table of Contents TOPIC PAGE # I. Introduction 5 II. III. IV. Overview of the Program DUI Court Mission Statement 6 Why DUI Court? 6 Team Members Roles Judge s Role 7 Solicitor General s Role 8 Defense Attorney s Role 8-9 Law Enforcement s Role 9 DUI Court Director s Probation Officer s Role Case Manager s Role Treatment Provider s Role 11 Community Partner s Role Court Courthouse Behavior Fourth Amendment Searches / Home Visits Residence Employment Leave Requests V. DUI Court Phase Structure/Treatment Treatment 18 Treatment Phases 18 Phase One 19 Phase Two 20 Phase Three 21 Phase Four 22 Phasing Up 23 Graduation Requirements

4 Table of Contents, cont d TOPIC PAGE # V. DUI Court Phase Structure/Treatment cont d Treatment Facility Treatment Attendance 26 Treatment Community Pairing Off VI. VII. VIII. Sanctions and Incentives Sanctions 30 Progressive Sanctions 31 Termination Incentives Drug Screening Drug Screening Zero Tolerance Drug and Alcohol Policy 37 Medications To Avoid Medications That May Be Taken Ingredients In OTC Medications That MUST Be Avoided Relapse Program Fees Finances 49 Treatment Program and Probation Fees IX. Orientation and Participation Handbook Form 51 4

5 I. INTRODUCTION Douglas County DUI Court Program Honesty Integrity Commitment Accountability Humility Self-Respect The Douglas County DUI Court began on April 1, 2013, under the direction of State Court Judge Eddie Barker. The DUI Court Team is a partnership of the Judge, the Solicitor-General s Office, the Defense Bar, the DUI Court Director, Probation Officer, Law Enforcement, the Treatment Provider, and Community Partners. By working together, we seek to provide a variety of programs and consistent supervision geared toward supporting and helping you maintain a drug and alcohol-free life. The Douglas County DUI Court involves frequent court appearances, random drug and alcohol testing, interactive treatment in group counseling, and support from our community partners. The Court awards incentives for compliant behavior and imposes sanctions for negative behavior. Participants who do not comply with the rules and guidelines may be placed in short-term incarceration, moved back to the previous phase of the treatment cycle, or a variety of other sanctions. They may also be terminated from the DUI Court. All of the staff working with the DUI Court Team will assist the Participant to be sure the Participant understands what is expected. It is the goal of the DUI Court Team to help improve the Participant s life and the safety of our community. Those who graduate from the Douglas County DUI Court Program will have a solid foundation to build upon in order to become a more productive member of our community. 5

6 II. OVERVIEW Honesty Integrity Commitment Accountability Humility Self-Respect DUI COURT MISSION STATMENT To provide a program for repeat impaired driving offenders, in order to enhance public safety, reduce recidivism, save tax dollars, and obtain sobriety through individualized treatment, with judicial oversight, participant accountability, and intensive supervision. WHY DUI COURT? Because punitive actions by the courts have not proven to be an effective deterrent for repeat DUI offenders. The DUI Court Team recognizes the importance of a balanced approach of evidence-based treatment for offenders, enhanced consistent supervision, and accountability through constant Judicial Reviews will lead to higher success rates in long-term recovery and an increase in public safety. The DUI Court Team goal is to help Participants achieve life-time sobriety, increase public safety, and the savings of tax dollars through a reduction in repeat DUI arrests. 6

7 III. TEAM MEMBERS ROLES Honesty Integrity Commitment Accountability Humility Self-Respect JUDGE S ROLE: The DUI Court Judge has knowledge of the impact of substance abuse on the court system, the lives of Participants, and the entire community and is, therefore, committed to the program s mission and goals, and works as a lead partner to ensure its success. In the courtroom, the Judge develops a personal, working relationship with Participants while monitoring their progress. One way the DUI Court Judge leads is through overseeing the DUI Court Team in the development of policies and procedures for the program. The Judge also attends non-court settings such as status review meetings to determine appropriate, effective sanctions for program violations, as well as to discuss incentives for good behavior and compliance with the program rules. A further role of the DUI Court Judge is to advocate for the program and to utilize community resources for the individual needs of the Participants. The DUI Court Judge has many responsibilities beyond DUI Court. Hence, his time is limited. The Judge is NOT your case manager and should not be contacted outside the courtroom. Participants should NOT, at ANY TIME, contact the Judge outside the courtroom. Any questions you have regarding DUI Court should be routed through the DUI Court Director. 7

8 SOLICITOR GENERAL S ROLE: Without the Solicitor-General s cooperation and support, you could not be offered the opportunity to participate in the DUI Court Program. The Solicitor-General has many responsibilities to the DUI Court. The Solicitor-General ensures that each eligible offender is referred to DUI Court. Further, the Solicitor-General presents each case to the Judge and facilitates entry into the DUI Court Program. The Solicitor attends staff meetings to discuss possible candidates for the DUI Court Program and to determine appropriate sanctions and incentives for current participants. Such determinations are made using knowledge of addiction, relapse, and other factors (i.e. criminal history, gender, age, and culture) that may impact a Participant s success. Another role of the Solicitor-General is to contribute to efforts in community education and acquisition of community resources to aid the program. The Solicitor-General educates peers, colleagues, and judiciary on the effectiveness of DUI Courts. During your participation in the DUI Court Program, it is not appropriate to seek legal counsel from the staff of the Solicitor-General s office. Should you need to speak with the Solicitor-General, you must make an appointment to do so, court sessions are not appropriate for these types of discussions. In the event that you are terminated from the DUI Court Program, the Solicitor-General will make recommendations to the Court regarding probation revocation. DEFENSE ATTORNEY S ROLE: The DUI Court Defense Attorney represents each and all of the Participants in the DUI Court who are not otherwise represented by counsel. The Defense Attorney s role is to evaluate the Participant s legal situation and ensure that the Participants legal rights are protected. Additionally, the Defense Attorney effectively advises the offenders on their legal rights, legal options, treatment options, program conditions, 8

9 and sentencing outcomes while developing a relationship with the offender that promotes the offender s long term best interests. It is not appropriate to seek legal counsel from the DUI Court Defense Attorney regarding matters unrelated to DUI Court. The DUI Court Defense Attorney also monitors Participants progress and ensures the appropriate provision of treatment and other rehabilitative services. The Defense Attorney attends status review meetings to determine appropriate sanctions and incentives for current Participants. Like the Solicitor-General, the Defense Attorney also contributes to educating the community and assists in educating peers, colleagues, and judiciary in the effectiveness of DUI Courts. LAW ENFORCEMENT S ROLE: Law Enforcement provides accountability for your participation in this program through participation in status review meetings, sanction/incentive recommendations, and they will provide random searches of Participant s homes, person, and/or effects and can perform drug and alcohol screens. For many, this will be the first positive interaction with law enforcement representatives and one of our goals is to build positive rapport between Law Enforcement and Participants. Participant s total honesty, cooperation, and respect with all Law Enforcement are essential to be in compliance with the Douglas County DUI Court Program. DUI COURT DIRECTOR S ROLE: The DUI Court Director acts as the point of contact between all entities involved in the daily operations of the DUI Court Program. The DUI Court Director reports to the State Court Judges of the Douglas Judicial Circuit. The Director participates in status review meetings and is responsible for all data collection and dissemination to the DUI 9

10 Court Team. The Director contributes to efforts in community education and acquisition of community resources to assist participants in the DUI Court Program. The Director reviews and updates the program policies and procedures manual to ensure that operations and administration comply with applicable local, state, and federal guidelines. The Director applies for and manages grant funds for the DUI Court. The Director will perform the initial interview to make sure each Participant has a very clear understanding of the DUI Court rules and regulations. In the event that the Participant fails to comply with the rules and regulations of the DUI Court, the Director will attend the Probation Revocation Hearing and make recommendations to the Judge. PROBATION OFFICER S ROLE: The Probation officer will serve the court by providing the Probation Supervision service to the participants. The officer will oversee the participants sentencing conditions, assist with Drug and Alcohol screening and also assist the case manager with monitoring the conditions of the DUI court program. The officer will meet with the participants at least once a month. In the event that the Participant fails to comply with the rules and regulations of the DUI Court or the sentence conditions, the Probation Officer will attend the Probation Revocation Hearing and make recommendations to the Judge. CASE MANAGER S ROLE: The case manager will serve the court by providing assistance to participants in the following areas: ensure compliance with DUI court conditions as well as aid the participants in job search, daily living skills, attendance to all court related activities and meet with them on a regular basis. The case manager will meet with the participants at least once a month. The Case Manager will also help refer participants that are in need of ancillary services. 10

11 TREATMENT PROVIDER S ROLE: The Treatment Provider facilitates all group counseling sessions and other recommended counseling. The treatment provider has worked with the DUI Court to develop a specialized curriculum for DUI Court participants that includes proven evidence-based treatment practices. The Treatment Provider assists with alcohol and drug screening when needed on all participants. The Treatment Provider reports all Participants progress and lack thereof to the DUI Court Director. A representative from the Treatment Provider attends all DUI Court Team Meetings and Court sessions. All questions not pertaining to counseling should be directed to the DUI Court Director to include the results of drug and alcohol screens performed. COMMUNITY PARTNER S ROLE: The DUI Court is not only concerned about the Participant while they are active in the DUI Court Program, but also in the Participant s long term sobriety, which is the ultimate goal. For that reason, it is essential that the Participant involve themselves in programs in our community for long term support. Programs include Celebrate Recovery, Reformers Unanimous, Alcoholics Anonymous, and Narcotics Anonymous. A representation from these organizations will be a part of the DUI Court Team to offer insight, support, and education. The Community Partner s role will include attending DUI Court Team meetings and to provide needed information to the DUI Court Director. A 501 (C)(3) Charitable Foundation was established in December The S.T.A.R.T. Foundation and its Board of Directors is an organization formed with the goal of providing support to the Douglas County DUI/Drug Court Programs. Sobriety Through Addiction Recovery Treatment aids the Court in providing support for incentives as well as scholarships for participants with a documented financial need. The Foundation also 11

12 provides education to the Community about the DUI/Drug Courts and their benefit to the citizens of Douglas County. IV. COURT Honesty Integrity Commitment Accountability Humility Self-Respect COURTHOUSE BEHAVIOR Your attendance in court is a critical requirement of your participation in the Douglas County DUI Court. Your behavior from the time you leave your automobile until you arrive in the courtroom should reflect positively on you and the DUI Court Program. This means NO loitering on the front steps of the Courthouse or in the parking lot, before or after DUI Court. Your attire should NOT include the following: Tank-Tops Halter-Tops Hats Sunglasses Excessively Baggy Clothing Sleeveless Shirts/Dresses See-through Clothing Revealing Clothing Tight Clothing Clothing with any Advertising (i.e. Alcohol, Drugs, Offensive Language, etc.) Clothing with Holes Your clothing must cover all undergarments. Skirts that are at or below the knee are allowed. If you have any doubts, don t wear it to Court or Graduation. Loud and boisterous behavior is unacceptable inside or outside the Courtroom and Courthouse. This behavior and attire is required for ANYTIME you are in the Courthouse or any other location that would be an extension of the DUI Court (such as graduation ceremonies or other Court activities). You must be punctual. Court is called to order at 4:00 p.m. You will be given access to an annual calendar with all of the Thursday Court dates, and you 12

13 will be advised of any exceptions or changes to this schedule. Conversations should be minimal inside and outside the Courtroom. You are to remain seated in the Courtroom unless directed otherwise. You are not to read or sleep in the Courtroom. No food, drink, pagers, cell phones, gum chewing or other distracting items are allowed. Any distracting cell phones in the Courtroom will be confiscated. You are responsible for your guests and/or children. Do not approach or try to ask DUI Court Team members questions while Court is in session, as this is also distracting. When addressed by the Judge, you should stand and respond respectfully (For example: Yes, sir and No, sir are appropriate). Keep your hands OUT of your pockets at ALL times! Speak clearly and directly and remain in front of the Judge until dismissed. Do NOT interrupt the Judge when he is speaking to you or to anyone else. Violations of Courthouse and Courtroom Behavior WILL result in sanctions. All participants should appear by 3:00 p.m., sign in to pay fees, and be breath tested. Participants arriving after 3:45 p.m. will be considered late, and could be subject to sanctions. Court sessions will be held in Citizen s Hall at the Hospital Drive Courthouse on the main floor, unless otherwise notice of a change is given. FOURTH AMMENDMENT SEARCHES/HOME VISITS: All DUI Court participants must agree to waive their Fourth Amendment Right to Search and Seizure as a condition of their sentence in order to participant in the Douglas County DUI Court Program. From time to time, the DUI Court will utilize Sheriff s deputies or police officers to randomly conduct searches of the homes of DUI Court participants pursuant to said waiver(s). During such searches, deputies may perform breathalyzer and drug tests, look in refrigerators, open cabinets, etc., to determine if the participant is in possession of drugs and/or alcohol. 13

14 The same rules apply to these tests as those that are performed at the DUI Court Office, so if you choose to admit to use, make sure to tell the officer BEFORE the screen is conducted. If a participant tests positive for drugs and/or alcohol during a home visit, the deputy will reprimand the participant and then notify the Treatment Provider and/or DUI Court Director. Additionally, if illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia are found in the home, the participant may be arrested on new charges which will likely result in termination from the DUI Court Program. The home visits of participants will raise the level of accountability for each participant in the program. Law Enforcement will be involved in Court Team meetings and Court sessions to contribute to the incentives and sanctioning process. If the participant is not present at the residence when the law enforcement officer comes for a home visit, the law enforcement officer will leave a card stating the date and time that the officer attempted the home visit. The card will be left in a prominent location at the participant s residence. It is the participant s responsibility to look for a card each time they return home. Upon returning to your residence, and locating a card, each participant must call the DUI court office at ( ) and leave a voice mail, stating your name, date, time of your call, and exact location of where you were when the law enforcement officer attempted to perform the home visit. RESIDENCE: You will also receive sanctions if the DUI Court Office does not have your current address (where you reside) and phone number (where you can be reached). Please make sure the treatment provider has your new address and/or phone number as well. This address is defined as where you sleep every night and the phone number is the one that we can be used to reach you quickest. Notification of a change of address must be 14

15 done prior to the first date you wish to reside at the new address and must be given to the DUI Court Office in writing on the Change of Address form. We will accept faxed change of address forms. Failure to notify the DUI Court Office of your new address prior to moving will result in a jail time sanction. If you intend to stay away from this residence overnight, you must contact the DUI Court Office and get prior approval. You must inform the DUI Court Office of the address and phone number where you will be staying as well as the individuals who will be in the residence with you. Failure to obtain prior approval could result in a jail time sanction. EMPLOYMENT: You are required to submit proof of employment to the DUI Court Director at each time you meet with him/her. Proof of employment can consist of a copy of your paycheck stub, 1099 tax form, as well as a letter from your employer stating their intent to file the 1099 on your behalf and documentation of continued work, or a letter from your supervisor on company letterhead verifying dates of employment. All questions regarding employment verification should be directed to the DUI Court Office. Full-time employment is MANDATORY in this program unless you have documentation that you are permanently disabled, unless you are a full-time student or have prior approval from the DUI court treatment team. If you become unemployed you will be required to do a job search with the aid of the case manager and probation officer. You will be required to turn in documentation on a weekly basis showing your diligent search for a job. A minimum number of applications and/or workshops may be required of you. It is policy of the Douglas County DUI Court Program that you may not work in any establishment where the primary sales are alcohol, such as a package store. Additionally, you may not work where narcotics, dangerous drugs, or other 15

16 mood altering substances are available unless otherwise approved by the Court in advance. If you have any questions about your place of employment, contact the DUI Court Office. LEAVE REQUESTS: In Phase One, you will not be granted a leave request, unless specifically approved in advance by the DUI Court Director or the Judge. In Phases Two, Three and Four, you will be granted two leave requests that will be limited to a maximum of three days per request, unless otherwise approved in advance by the DUI Court Director or the Judge. Leave requests for outside the country will not be permitted in any phase unless approved by the DUI Court team in advance. Granted leave requests for outside the country may also require compliance with special conditions, such as the use of a monitoring device or random drug and alcohol testing. You will be allowed to miss one group counseling session per leave request. You are to complete all required approved recovery meetings on each leave request that is granted. The DUI Court Judge will determine if you will be allowed a leave based on your progress in the Program, and he will notify you if the request is approved on the Court date before the leave is scheduled. These requests are apart from any emergency, subpoena, Court appearance, etc. This procedure must be taken in order to submit a leave request: 1. All requests are to be submitted to the DUI Court Office the Friday before the next DUI Court session by 12:00 pm, and the request will be reviewed the Court date before the anticipated leave. 2. All requests must have verified documentation attached. (Example: Itinerary or schedule to complete recovery meetings while on leave.) 16

17 3. The DUI Court Team will screen requests, and only if they are recommended will they be presented to the Judge for consideration the Court date prior to your anticipated leave. 4. The DUI Court Judge will inform you on DUI Court Thursday of his decision on the requests that the staff recommends. 5. You will be required to submit to an alcohol and drug screen upon your return from your leave. You will need to call the DUI Court Office to schedule these screens before you go on your approved leave. You will need to call the DUI Court Office to schedule these screens before you go on your approved leave. More leeway may be given to senior participants in some instances. In the event of a sudden illness and/or death of an immediate family member (includes spouse, children, siblings, parents, and grandparents, only), you will need to contact the DUI Court Director immediately. If the death or severe emergency occurs over the weekend or after regular business hours, it would be appropriate to call the DUI Court Director s cell phone. Proof of your relationship to the deceased, medical records, and an obituary will need to be submitted immediately. 17

18 V. DUI COURT PHASE STRUCTURE Honesty Integrity Commitment Accountability Humility Self-Respect TREATMENT The whole purpose of the Douglas County DUI Court is to provide you with a structured, systematic and affordable treatment program. Our goal is that when you complete this program you will be prepared to live a sober and productive lifestyle. You will be held accountable for your participation, regular attendance, and making the necessary applications of the things you learn in order to make a positive change in your life that will benefit you, your family, your friends, and your community. All participants are here because of past failures involving alcohol and/or drugs. Now is the time to take advantage of the opportunities that are before you so that you can learn from your past mistakes and move forward. TREATMENT PHASES OF DUI COURT The Douglas County DUI Court Program lasts 18 to 24 months, and is divided into four (4) phases. A Participant must successfully complete each phase before transitioning to the next phase. Each phase has a key concept or focus. 18

19 Key Concept: Length: PHASE ONE Awareness and Acceptance A Minimum of 120 days (4 months) Requirements: Must have 60 consecutive days of sobriety Random breath tests and urine screens passed Attend all scheduled treatment sessions with the assigned counselor at the Old Douglas County Courthouse at 6754 Broad Street, Douglasville, Ga (Each Tuesday and Thursday from 6:00pm 7:30pm) Check in is at 5:30 PM! Must attend at least one individual treatment plan meeting with the treatment provider and follow recommended treatment plan Obtain a support group sponsor and maintain contact with sponsor Attend a minimum of two formal support group meeting a week with verification Attend DUI Court Review hearing two times per month. Report to DUI Court Director a minimum of one time per quarter Report to the Probation Officer a minimum of one time per month Report to the Case Manager a minimum of one time per month Random home visits by Law Enforcement Make regular payments toward program fees and be no more than $ in arrears Maintain stable employment and/or participation in educational upgrading Upon successful completion of Phase I, receive credit of 60 hours of Community Service Must have completed the requirements of any sanction imposed by the court during the phase During the first 60 days in the program, the participant will have a 10:00 p.m. curfew. Exceptions are allowed for employment where demonstrated. If the participant completes the first 60 days with no sanctions, then the curfew will be extended to 12:00 a.m. for the remainder of Phase I. 19

20 Key Concept: Length Phase: Requirements: PHASE TWO Healthy Living Positive Changes in Lifestyle and Habits A Minimum of 150 days (5 months) Must have 90 consecutive days of sobriety Random breath tests and urine screens passed Attend all scheduled treatment sessions with assigned counselor at the Old Douglas County Courthouse at 6754 Broad Street, Douglasville, Ga (Each Tuesday from 5:00pm 6:00pm or 6:00pm 7:00 pm depending on the number of participants in the phase) Check in is 30 minutes prior to class! Must attend at least one individual treatment plan meeting with the treatment provider and follow recommended treatment plan Maintain contact with sponsor Attend a minimum of two formal support group meetings a week with verification Attend DUI Court Review hearing two times per month Report to DUI Court Director a minimum of one time per quarter. Report to the Probation Officer a minimum of one time per month. Report to the Case Manager a minimum of one time per month. Random home visits by Law Enforcement Make regular payments toward program fees, and be no more than $ in arrears Maintain stable employment and/or participation in educational upgrading Upon successful completion of Phase II, receive credit of 100 hours of Community Service Must have completed the requirements of any sanction imposed by the court during the phase 20

21 Key Concept: Length of Phase: Requirements: PHASE THREE Relapse Prevention and Responsibility to Others A Minimum of 90 days (3 months) Must have 90 consecutive days of sobriety Random breath tests and urine screens Attend all scheduled treatment sessions assigned counselor at the Old Douglas County Courthouse at 6754 Broad Street, Douglasville, Ga (The 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month from 5:00pm - to 6:00pm) Check in is at 4:30 p.m.! Must attend at least one individual treatment plan meeting with the treatment provider and follow recommended treatment plan Maintain contact with sponsor Attend a minimum of two formal support group meetings a week with verification Attend DUI Court Review hearing two times per month Report to DUI Court Director a minimum of one time per quarter. Report to the Probation Officer a minimum of one time per month. Report to the Case Manager a minimum of one time per month. Random home visits by Law Enforcement Make regular payments toward program fees, and be no more than $ in arrears Maintain stable employment and/or participation in educational upgrading Upon successful completion receive credit of 40 hours of Community Service Must have completed the requirements of any sanction imposed by the court during the phase 21

22 Key Concept: Length Phase: Requirements: PHASE FOUR EXIT STAGE: Giving Back to the Community; Reinforcing a Clean, Sober, and Legal Lifestyle A Minimum of 180 days (6 months) Must have 120 consecutive days of sobriety Random breath tests and urine screens Attend DUI Court Review hearing one time per month (The first Thursday of each month) Attend all treatment sessions with assigned counselor at the old courthouse on the third Thursday of each month from 5:00pm 6:00pm. Report to DUI Court Director a minimum of one time per quarter. Report to the Probation Officer a minimum of one time per month. Report to the Case Manager a minimum of one time per month. Maintain contact with group support sponsors Random home visits by Law Enforcement Make regular payments toward program fees Attend a minimum of one (1) community support group meeting per week Maintain stable employment and/or participation in educational upgrading Complete balance of community service hours Pay fines, surcharges and court costs Must have completed the requirements of any sanction imposed by the court during the phase Must have completed the 24 hour Giving Back Project Must attend one individualized treatment plan meeting with the treatment provider and follow any recommended treatment plan within the first three months of the phase. Must attend one individual treatment session in the second three months of this phase. Complete exit survey and interview with team. 22

23 PHASING UP In order to transfer from one phase to the next, you will be required to complete and submit a Phase-Up Request Form which can be obtained from the DUI Court Office. The Phase-Up request will need to be completed in its entirety and submitted to the DUI Court Director by the Friday prior to the court date you wish to be considered. Please note that ALL requirements listed on the Phase-Up Request Form must be completed before the Phase-Up is considered. Once the Phase-Up Request Form has been properly filled out, signed, and submitted, the DUI Court Director will consult with the Treatment Provider and the case manager for their approval. Once the Treatment Provider has given their approval, your request will be considered at the next DUI Court Team Meeting and voted upon by the team. This information will be presented to the Judge and he will announce in Court his decision regarding you advancing to the next phase. All sanction requirements must be fulfilled prior to moving to the next phase. GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS: Upon completion of Phase IV, you will be eligible for graduation. Graduation requirements must be met and turned in at least 30 days prior to your anticipated graduation date (or as otherwise approved by the DUI Court Office). 1. Complete Giving Back Project: a.) Plan to be submitted and approved by DUI Court Office within eight (8) weeks of moving to Phase Four. b.) Minimum of 24 volunteer hours. 23

24 c.) Documentation must be verified by DUI Court Office (letter on company letterhead with hours and job completed and a contact person with a telephone number is acceptable). d.) Submit a written summary of how/why project was chosen, feelings while completing project, personal reactions after project completion. 2. Complete Graduation Request and submit to DUI Court Office. 3. All DUI Court fees, Treatment fees, Probation fees, and Court fines MUST BE PAID IN FULL. 4. Complete exit interview with the DUI Court Team (once all other conditions for graduation have been completed). This will be scheduled with you by the DUI Court Office. You should come to the exit interview prepared to discuss the following with the DUI Court Team: a.) Background: Life before DUI Court. b.) Brief Summary of your arrest situation. c.) Reflections on DUI Court successes, struggles, and any suggestions. d.) Plans/Goals for the future (personal and recovery). Please note, you may be allowed to graduate if your Phase Four completion date falls within 30 days of the scheduled graduation. Please plan ahead and do NOT wait until the end of Phase Four to complete the requirements. You are required to have four (4) months of documented sobriety before being allowed to graduate. Successful graduation from the DUI Court Program will reflect satisfactory completion of that condition of your probation and could result in possible unsupervised probation or suspension of the balance of your probation. This privilege will be facilitated by the DUI Court Director/Probation Officer and may be granted by the DUI Court Judge, only. 24

25 TREATMENT FACILITY: All DUI Court activities and locations are to be viewed as an extension of the Douglas County State Court. Your behavior should reflect that understanding at all times. This includes all contracted treatment locations, community service sites, special events, and any other functions associated with DUI Court activities. Violations of program rules can result in sanctions and/or new criminal charges. All staff members of the Douglas County DUI Court are to be considered as Officers of the Court, and you are expected to follow their instructions. In addition: 1. No alcohol, drugs, weapons, or pocketknives will be brought into these facilities. 2. Groups will begin on time! You must be punctual, as tardiness will result in sanctions. You must attend and participate in the full session to receive credit. 3. Participant confidentiality is a MUST. What is said here stays here! There will be severe consequences to any violations of this rule. 4. Free expression of your thoughts and feelings is encouraged; however, violence, threats or intimidation will not be tolerated. Use of profanity is NOT acceptable. 5. Sexual harassment will not be tolerated. 6. No comments about the physical appearance of other participants allowed. 7. You may leave group only in an extreme emergency after notifying staff and the DUI Court Director. 8. You must follow the dress code as presented in the Courthouse Behavior section of this handbook. 25

26 9. Cell phones must not be on in the treatment facility and will be confiscated if they are seen, heard (ringing/beeping/vibrating), and will be returned to you at the end of the session. 10. No visitors allowed. You will be notified of scheduled exceptions to this rule. This includes children and pets. Likewise, those dropping you off or picking you up from group must not remain in the parking lot or front lobby throughout group. 11. Smoking is permitted outside only. Place cigarette butts in the ash can provided. 12. No littering in parking lot or in building. Clean up after yourself. 13. Destroying or defacing property will lead to sanctions and possibly termination. 14. Pairing up with another DUI Court participant or any other Accountability Court participant for an intimate or close relationship is prohibited and can result in termination from the Program. TREATMENT ATTENDANCE As a participant in the Douglas County DUI Court Program, you are required to attend all group counseling meetings as assigned. You must be on time. Failure to report on time will result in a missed group or meeting. Being late to or missing checkin or group will result in sanctions from the Court. You MUST report 30 minutes before the scheduled start time of group for check-in. Failure to attend group will result in sanctions and attendance will only be verified by you signing the sign-in sheet. You need to sign the sign-in sheet legibly and on the correct sign-in sheet for your phase. If you do not do this, it will be counted as a missed group and will be sanctioned as such. 26

27 TREATMENT COMMUNITY Douglas County is very fortunate to have a strong recovery community. You can find local Celebrate Recovery meetings ( Reformers Unanimous meetings ( Alcoholics Anonymous meetings ( and Narcotics Anonymous meetings ( Your required attendance at these recovery meetings will be verified by an attendance log that is given to you by the DUI Court Office (you will need to make copies of this for future use) and signed off on by the group leader which cannot be a participant in the DUI Court. If a participant of DUI Court is leading the group, you must have someone else sign off on your log. This is the only exception of allowing someone else besides the discussion leader to sign off on your recovery meeting log. Only one meeting per day will be credited towards your program requirements (unless otherwise approved by the DUI Court Office). During Phase I, II and III, you are required to attend a minimum of two (2) community support group meeting per week. During Phase II and III, you are required to attend a minimum of two (2) recovery meetings per week. During Phase IV, you are required to attend a minimum of one (1) recovery meeting per week. These meetings are in addition to your regular treatment counseling sessions. A recovery meeting week runs from Monday through the following Sunday. It is your responsibility to make sure all information on the log is accurate and legible even if you did not write the information yourself. If incorrect information is written by mistake, you must draw an arrow to another day on the log and rewrite the appropriate information without any errors. You are not to change dates on the log after it has been written. You must submit the original meeting log (not a copy) to the DUI Court Office every week in Phases I and II on Tuesday evening when you check in for treatment. Phases III and IV must turn in their logs on their treatment nights also. Failure to do so will result in a 27

28 sanction. Copies will NOT be accepted. You will not be allowed to bank the recovery meetings. An example of banking would be that you are required to complete two (2) recovery meetings per week and you complete three (3) meetings one week and then one (1) meeting the next week. If you are given additional recovery meetings as a sanction, you will only be allowed to do more than one meeting per day if permission is specifically given to you by the DUI Court Office. Additionally, if you turn in documentation of attendance at a meeting you were late to, left early, or did not attend, it will be grounds for termination in this Program! This level of accountability ensures your commitment to the Program and our ability to identify Program compliance. Also, do not approach participants of this program or another treatment program in public unless you have permission from that person. You may unknowingly breach their confidentiality and ultimately endanger their sobriety. If you have questions or concerns about confidentiality, contact the DUI Court Office. PAIRING OFF: Early recovery is full of pitfalls and relapse triggers. One pitfall that we can easily avoid is pairing off. Pairing off occurs when two people in recovery spend too much time together and/or become romantically involved. When this happens, the parties involved tend to confuse feelings of fear or vulnerability with feelings of intimacy. This tends to shift their focus away from their recovery and greatly reduces their chance of success in recovery. Early recovery is a period of profound personal change and selfdiscovery. Relationships formed during this period generally do not last because of the personal changes that are taking place. The person you may be attracted to today may 28

29 not be the same person tomorrow. It is better to wait until you are stabilized in your recovery before beginning a romantic relationship. Pairing off includes, but is not limited to the following: 1. Suggestive or flirtatious remarks. 2. Physical contact, such as holding hands, hugging, kissing, or inappropriate touching. 3. Letter-writing or note-writing. 4. Physical isolation by a couple from the group or from peers. 5. Consistently sitting together or being together at scheduled or unscheduled activities. 6. Exchanging gifts of personal items. If it is observed that a couple is pairing off, they will be counseled to discontinue any such relationship until an appropriate time. If they continue to pair off, the matter will be discussed with the treatment team and sanctions (which may include termination) may be imposed by the Court. Participants are not allowed to cohabitate whether romantically involved or not. This includes participants from other Accountability Courts. If you have questions or concerns regarding this, contact the DUI Court Office. 29

30 VI. SANCTIONS AND INCENTIVES Honesty Integrity Commitment Accountability Humility Self-Respect SANCTIONS: The Judge will impose sanctions on you if you violate program rules. If you have violated any program rule in which you would get a sanction, you MUST be in the next court session regardless of whether your phase is required to attend. Sanctions can include jail time, additional community service work, additional recovery meetings, or anything that is deemed appropriate for you by the DUI Court Team. If at any time you want a copy of your sanction order that is signed by the Judge you may obtain this by contacting the DUI Court Office. It is YOUR responsibility to make sure all documents are turned in to the Court and that they are filled out properly and completely. Take the time to review any documents prior to turning them in. In the event that jail time is required for program violations, you must make sure that all personal matters are attended to prior to Court. This means that you must make arrangements for your job, childcare, vehicles, etc. if jail time sanctions are a possibility. Please bring all current medications with you when you come to court. Vehicles are not to be left unattended while you are incarcerated. IF YOU PURCHASE, POSSESS, OR CONSUME ALCOHOL OR ANY OTHER UNLAWFUL SUBSTANCE WHILE IN THIS PROGRAM, YOU WILL RECEIVE SANCTIONS. 30

31 PROGRESSIVE SANCTIONS Progressive Sanctions will be imposed when participants do not move from one phase to another in a timely manner. Each phase has been assigned a minimum amount of time necessary for completion of the phase. Progressive sanctions will begin the week you are scheduled to move up if you have not submitted your paperwork to move up to the next phase. Progressive sanctions are imposed to encourage participants to finish the requirements and move on to the next phase in a timely manner. TERMINATION The Douglas County DUI Court is committed to giving participants the opportunity to learn to become drug and alcohol free. However, your continued participation in the Douglas County DUI Court Program is contingent on compliance with ALL program guidelines and regulations. Non-compliance can result in termination. We would be very pleased if no participant was terminated from the program, but we also understand that some participants will choose to continue to violate program requirements and there will be consequences for these types of behavior. Violations that may lead to termination include, but are not limited to: 1. Inability to remain clean and sober. 2. Obtaining a new DUI charge. 3. Forging of documents turned in to the Court. 4. Failure to attend and participate in groups. 5. Threats or violence against peers or staff. 6. Altering or tempering with drug screens (including dilution of a screen). 7. Some new offenses (all arrests need to be reported to the DUI Court Director within 48 hours of the initial arrest). 31

32 8. An accumulation of program violations. 9. Chronic failure to pay program fees. 10. Failure to follow program guidelines. 11. Pairing off or becoming romantically involved with another DUI Court participant. 12. Failure to treat staff and/or other participants with respect. 13. Dishonesty We want EVERY Participant to succeed and we consider termination as the last resort. Our goal is to help you obtain and maintain a healthy lifestyle. However, we also understand that not everyone who enters the Douglas County DUI Court Program is capable of and/or committed to achieving sobriety. Our resources are limited, and the Court may determine that termination from the program is necessary. Be assured that this option will be imposed only after all other possible avenues have been explored such as increased jail time, increased intensity and attendance in ongoing treatment, residential treatment, etc. INCENTIVES: Program compliance and good behavior will be recognized by the Judge as an incentive to continue your recovery. Your initial jail time may be as much as halved (this does not refer to sanctioned jail time); you may receive credit towards your court fines by completing program requirements successfully; and you may receive credit towards your community service work by completing different requirements in the program. These are the initial tangible incentives for participation in the DUI Court Program. The DUI Court Team also recognizes a participant of the month and when each participant moves from one phase to the next. The participant of the month is determined by but not limited to progress in the program, lack of sanctions, and a good attitude. It is our 32

33 hope that eventually you will recognize the benefits of an alcohol and drug free lifestyle and this will become your true incentive to stay in recovery long-term. Additional incentives may be granted by the court when deemed appropriate. VII. ALCOHOL AND/OR DRUG SCREENING Honesty Integrity Commitment Accountability Humility Self-Respect ALCOHOL AND/OR DRUG SCREENING: RANDOM ALCOHOL AND/OR DRUG TESTING PROGRAM ALL PARTICIPANTS SHALL BE SUBJECT TO RANDOM ALCOHOL AND/OR DRUG TESTING AT ANY TIME DURING THE COURSE OF THE PROGRAM AND AS A CONDITION OF PROBATION. A breath or urine specimen may be required at any time. All Alcohol and/or Drug Testing will be conducted at the DUI Court Office or the residence of the participant during a home visit by law enforcement. When reporting on treatment days, you must be punctual, and prepared to submit a specimen to the DUI Court Director, probation officer, case manager, or other authorized personnel. Failure to submit a specimen will be considered a positive screen. 33

34 Tampering with or diluting an alcohol and/or drug screen is grounds for termination from the Douglas County DUI Court Program. DILUTION of URINE SAMPLE (aka Creatinine violations) will be treated in the following manner: 1 st violation Participant will be counseled as to what a creatinine violation is and put on notice that they have had a dilute screen. Handouts explaining Creatinine/Dilution will be given to participant. 2 nd violation Participant will be placed on increased screening for 14 days consecutively. A morning screen may be required. If screens are still dilute during this time, Participant will be asked to visit a medical Dr. to determine if there is a medical reason for the low readings. 3 rd violation Participant will be sanctioned with community service hours. 4 th violation Participant will be sanctioned as a POSITIVE SCREEN and days of sobriety will be set back for phasing up. Upon reporting for an alcohol and/or drug screen at the DUI Court office: 1. A staff member must accompany you at all times during alcohol and/or drug testing. 2. You must make sure that your name is on your specimen bottle. 3. You must indicate an admission or denial of alcohol and/or drug use and grant permission for confirmation of results if appropriate. Honesty is a crucial component for recovery and participation in the Douglas County DUI Court Program. Self-disclosure of use will be considered by the Court when sanctions are imposed and will result in lesser santions. 4. You will not be allowed to leave the testing area or to drink excessive fluids until a specimen is rendered. 5. A staff member must always witness the sample being given. 6. You may not carry purses, coats, bags, etc. into the testing area. 7. Shirt sleeves should be rolled up to the elbow and you may be requested to remove additional clothing to ensure the validity of a specimen. 8. The test cup must contain a minimum 1/3 level to be adequate for testing. 9. If an alcohol and/or drug screen is positive and confirmation is requested, the specimen will be tested again at a qualified testing center. A $50 34

35 confirmation fee will be billed to your account if the test result is confirmed as a positive. If a participant has a positive test result, they will be notified promptly of the result. The participant then must notify the DUI Court Staff within twenty-four (24) hours if they want a confirmation test performed. You may not be able to stop using alcohol and/or drugs immediately and recovery may not occur overnight. However, all use of alcohol and/or illegal drugs will be sanctioned. This is not intended as punishment, but to encourage sobriety. Thus, the ultimate goal of alcohol and drug testing is to provide accountability and confirmation of an individual s progress toward recovery. DAILY RANDOM SCREEENS Each participant shall be assigned a COLOR based upon the current Phase of the program you are in and you will use this COLOR in determining if you are required to participate in a random alcohol and/or drug screen on any given day. Urine samples will be collected at the Old Douglas County Courthouse on Broad Street by authorized personnel. All samples will be collected during a three hour period between 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Appearing for a noticed random screen is required, and failing to appear or provide a sample in the time allotted WILL result in sanctions. A MISSED TEST IS A POSITIVE TEST AND WILL SET YOU BACK IN YOUR SOBRIETY DAY COUNT! If you miss a test in the evening you are to report first thing in the morning to be tested at the office. Call first to be sure there is a same sex staff member there to administer the screen. When notified, each participant shall appear at the Old Douglas County Courthouse located at 6754 Broad Street, Douglasville, Ga The participant will be required to sign in, admit or deny use of alcohol, illegal and prescription drugs on the custody and control form and initial it, and provide a urine sample to the designated technician or officer. The participant will also initial the seal strip and sign a Chain of Custody form. The sample will then be sent to a lab for testing. A Random Alcohol and/or Drug Screen phone line has been established solely for the purpose of informing participants of when you may be required to appear for testing. Each participant must call the phone number daily after 9:00 a.m. to hear a recorded message to see if you are required to appear for testing that day. 35