Charleston County Adult Drug Court provides a cost-effective alternative to traditional prosecution and incarceration of nonviolent offenders with substance abuse problems. Crime will be reduced and offenders habilitated through court supervision and substance abuse treatment. The program is designed to promote self-sufficiency and personal responsibility. Participation in this program requires a personal commitment. Members of the Drug Court Team are present to guide and assist defendants, but the final responsibility is the participant’s.  Defendants must be motivated to make this change and commit to a more responsible way of life.

The program involves working with the Drug Court staff, all dedicated to the participant’s recovery for a minimum of 12 months. The defendant’s charges will be dismissed upon successful completion of the three-phase program.

It is important that participants understand the long-term commitment involved in Drug Court. Participants will be involved with Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA); attend weekly court appearances; submit to random drug testing and attend all treatment sessions. The Drug Court staff is here to assist participants’ efforts to successfully complete the program, but the choice and effort to change their way of life comes from them.