NJ 'Drug Court' Helps Hundreds Turn Lives Around, Avoid Jail

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — For proof of why New Jersey’s “drug court” program exists, you don’t have to look any further than Landon Hacker.

Last week, Hacker was one of 913 people who passed the New Jersey bar exam. It was a milestone in his inspiring come-from-behind story, which included bouts with homelessness, jail and drug addiction.

Hacker’s comeback story began when he graduated from one of the state’s drug courts two years ago. The Judiciary program allows non-violent offenders the chance to avoid prison time if they successfully complete rehabilitation and recovery for drug and/or alcohol abuse.

Hacker eventually graduated from Rutgers University with a 4.0 average and attended law school, NJ Court officials said. (Watch video below)

Graduating the program isn’t a cakewalk by any means.

According to court officials, participants have to complete four phases of drug and alcohol treatment and recovery. Participants are expected to comply with all treatment recommendations, attend Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous meetings, gain employment, obtain a GED if not already attained and demonstrate payment of fines.

The “intensive” level of supervision permits the program to support the recovery process, but also allows the drug court team to react quickly to impose appropriate therapeutic sanctions – or to reinstate criminal proceedings – when participants don’t comply.

This year, despite the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic, hundreds of men and women celebrated milestones with the program across New Jersey, officials reported.

In Essex County, a virtual graduation ceremony was held on Dec. 3 to honor 60 men and women who have maintained recovery from drugs and alcohol. The vicinage’s drug court program has more than 385 participants.

Other graduation ceremonies have been taking place at county vicinages across the state during November and December.

In Hudson County, the drug court recognized 22 people. In Passaic County, 27 participants graduated. And in Camden County, 40 people marked inspiring milestones in their recoveries from substance abuse.

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