New DUI-Drug Court in Douglas County

Repeat offenders are costing Georgia taxpayers millions of dollars each year, draining county and state budgets. It is for this reason that new initiatives are underway to reform those who commit crimes. Richard Bowen has spent his career working with people who at times made a bad mistake while others chose a life of crime. One thing is consistent no matter the case and that is the lack of programs to get those folks back on track. However, times have changed and budgets have forced officials to take a closer look at the solution not the problem.

Douglas County has received a $44,000 state grant to start a DUI-Drug Court and Bowen will be the director. His experience the past 28 years with Pardon and Parole and the last 23 as the Chief Parole Officer in the County makes him well-suited for the job.

“This gives me a chance to get back to what I love doing and that is helping people on a weekly basis on a personal level. Our program will be a team effort with family and judges. We will try and help people reach the level of sobriety that many of them have been fighting to get for many years,” Bowen said. “It is something I know will work.

Most of the people, if they had gotten some good alcohol or drug treatment early on, could have saved themselves from trouble.”

The DUI Court is for repeat offenders. Offenders may start when sentenced to a second in five years or third in a lifetime DUI. Their defense attorney speaks with the solicitor who is prosecuting and reviewing all cases and looking for someone who qualifies.

Once candidates are identified they are given a referral for a clinical assessment to establish if there is a history that is long term.

“When someone enters our program we go over the structure of it which involves serious responsibility on their part. Attendance, coming to court, really working the program is what we must have,” Bowen said. “Some will say just send me to jail, I am not doing all that stuff. My job is to interview and make sure there is a commitment and desire for sobriety and pay the price not money wise, but attendance wise to do all they need to gain their sobriety.”

The mission of DUI courts is to stop the abuse of alcohol and other drugs and related criminal activity. DUI courts offer a compelling choice for individuals whose criminal justice involvement stems from alcohol or drug use. In exchange for successful completion of the treatment program, the court may, reduce some provisions of a sentence such as community service and fines. Participants may also be eligible for a limited driving permit after a minimum time in the treatment program. DUI courts transform the roles of both criminal justice practitioners and AOD treatment providers.

The judge is the central figure in a team effort that focuses on sobriety and accountability as the primary goals. Because the judge takes on the role of trying to keep participants engaged in treatment, providers can effectively focus on developing a therapeutic relationship with the participant. In turn, treatment providers keep the court informed of each participant's progress so that rewards and sanctions can be provided.

State Court Judge Eddie Barker who helped obtain the grant to start the program, feels confident this program will change lives and can transform those in the community to be rehabilitated and not incarcerated.

“My goal is to provide a program that is designed to reduce the recidivism rate of repeat DUI offenders by providing a treatment opportunity as part of their sentence. The objective is to help the participants learn to lead a clean, sober lifestyle. If they do, they become far less likely to reoffend,” Barker said.

He also points out the advantages this court can bring to taxpayers.

“The benefits to the community include those individuals becoming productive citizens and our roads become safer because participants become less likely to reoffend. Also, this saves the taxpayers the cost of incarcerating those who would otherwise continue to drive while intoxicated,” Barker said.

The exact cost of the program is uncertain right now. The fees will include the cost of a clinical assessment and a weekly charge of $50 for court operational costs. DUI court participants will have their weekly meeting with the director of the program on Tuesday nights from 5 to 6 p.m.

“We will also be seeking support from churches, civic organizations and the business community to help act as sponsors for the participants or employ those that need a job. Please contact the State Court for more information on this opportunity.” Barker said.

Plans are underway to work toward getting additional grant money to help those who may not be able to afford the service.

The kickoff is set for the first of April. The first DUI court date where potential
participants meet the judge is April 18.

“It is an accountability court where they have to go to treatment and our goal is to have formal treatment and community partners that our folks can visit a few times a week. I envision at least three meetings a week,” Bowen said. “Relapse is something that happens. The program is set to be completed by participants in 18 to 24 months.

Long term sobriety is our goal. Stopping the repetitive nature of their driving while intoxicated.”