Administrative Office Of The Courts
20th Judicial Circuit of Florida

NEWS ARTICLE

Drug Court Participants Managing Jobs, School and Court

Hendry & Glades Court Operations Manager - Dawn Oliver

The Collier County Drug Court Team feels it has bragging rights when it comes to their participants and Judge Janeice Martin is not afraid to say so. Judge Martin who has been presiding over drug court since July 2011 recently announced that all of the 35 drug court participants are 100% schooled or employed. A rather large accomplishment given the economic environment. According to the treatment provider, "they are working hard at keeping their jobs while dealing with the demands of Drug Court."

Drug Court is an intense program in which appropriate defendants (as determined by the State Attorney's Office) enter a plea of guilt or no contest and sign a probation document. The program runs 18-24 months and requires weekly court appearances (initially) which are gradually reduced as the defendant passes through its four phases. Additionally, defendants must participate in treatment for substance abuse, submit to drug screens, appear in court, and respond to inquiries from any member of the drug court team. The judge has a very active role in the process and must strike a balance between being firm, demanding accountability and being supportive and positive.

Judge Martin is "absolutely enjoying the privilege of being a part of the Drug Court Team." The team, which includes ASA Laura Farrell, APD Richard Grant, State PO Jay Freshwater, and clinicians David Rodriguez and Cindy Shannon, works well together and has the ability to confront challenges unique to drug court on a level that is "unparalleled."

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