Sobriety Court

Sobriety Court Mission Statement
To enhance the public safety and community welfare by reducing recidivism among alcohol offenders. The mission is accomplished through an interdisciplinary approach which includes intensive supervision, individualized treatment, and personal accountability through frequent judicial review. The program will effectively use court and community resources to support individuals in developing and maintaining a substance free lifestyle.

Program Overview
In 2005, the City of Lansing implemented the Sobriety Court program in response to the serious community problem of drunk driving.

The program's multifaceted approach utilizes a team concept. It includes a fast-track system with routine team staffing, frequent interaction with a Judge, intensive supervision by the probation officers, intensive treatment, random drug screening, alcohol testing, community service and attendance at a MADD Victim Impact Panel.

Treatment consists of individualized assessment and treatment planning, individual and group counseling for substance abuse and other issues, self-help support meetings, education, life skills, parenting and employment issues.

Positive reinforcement is provided for performance in the program. Sanctions are imposed and therapeutic interventions made in response to non-compliance.  

Eligibility
Non-violent defendants who have been convicted of repeat drinking and driving offenses may be eligible for the program.

Participants must live in the greater Lansing area.  

Phases of the Program
Each of the program's phases is designed with a built-in incentive point system. Participants receive credit for requirements performed which advances them through the phases.

Phase I (eight week minimum)

  • Judicial one-on-one review every two weeks
  • Meet with probation officer TWICE a week
  • Substance abuse counseling a minimum of twice a week
  • Random drug screening
  • Self-help support meetings
  • Self-help support sponsor
  • JOURNALING

Phase II (eight week minimum)

  • Judicial one-on-one review every four weeks
  • Meet with probation officer every two weeks 
  • 10 hours of community service
  • Attend MADD Victim Impact Panel
  • Continue all other program activities

Phase III (eight week minimum)

  • Judicial one-on-one review every SIX weeks
  • Meet with probation officer every two weeks
  • 20 hours of community service
  • Continue with program activities
  • Transitional Phase (12 week minimum)
  • Judicial one-on-one AS DIRCTED
  • Meet with probation officer monthly
  • Substance abuse counseling AS DIRECTED
  • Random drug screening
  • Continue with self-help support
  • Services Used by the Sobriety Court
  • One-on-One Judicial Interaction
  • Intensive Probation Supervision
  • Substance Abuse, Mental Health, Family and other Counseling
  • Random Alcohol and Drug screening
  • Education Programs
  • Community Service
  • MADD Victim Impact Panel
  • Employment Assistance

UPON SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THE PROGRAM, GRADUATES PARTICIPATE IN A COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY.