Twenty-six people were expected to graduate from the Third Judicial District Drug Court during a ceremony scheduled for June 25 at the Lafayette County Courthouse in Oxford.
Judge Andrew Howorth
Twenty-two other participants who are nearing completion of the program’s requirements will be recognized during the ceremony, said Drug Court Coordinator Brandon Vance. Each participant must spend at least three years under the supervision of the Drug Court and comply with all program requirements before being eligible to graduate. About 325 people are currently enrolled in the Drug Court program, which includes Lafayette, Benton, Calhoun, Chickasaw, Marshall, Tippah and Union counties.
Derek Eaves of Louisville was the guest speaker.
The Third Circuit Drug Court is supervised by Circuit Judges Andrew K. Howorth and Kelly Luther.
The state has 40 drug courts, including 22 adult felony programs, three adult misdemeanor programs, 12 juvenile drug courts and three family drug courts. Almost 4,000 people are enrolled in drug courts statewide.
By addressing the root causes of criminal activity and substance use disorders, the adult drug courts offer participants an alternative to incarceration. Drug courts provide participants access to resources and opportunities they need by coordinating the efforts of the judiciary, prosecution, defense counsel, probation, law enforcement, treatment, mental health and social service providers. This interdisciplinary approach offers participants the opportunity to become productive, law abiding citizens, which reduces recidivism and provides for healthier communities.