Adult Drug Court Responsibilities

Charleston County Adult Drug Court provides a cost-effective alternative to traditional prosecution and incarceration of nonviolent offenders with substance abuse problems. The goal of Drug Court is to reduce crime and rehabilitate offenders through court supervision and substance abuse treatment. The program is designed to promote self-sufficiency and personal responsibility. Participation requires a personal commitment. Members of the Drug Court Team are present to guide and assist participants, but the final responsibility is theirs. 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 15 months. The defendant's charges will be dismissed upon successful completion of the five-phase program.

It is important that participants understand the long-term commitment involved in Drug Court. Participants will be involved with self-help meetings, attend weekly court appearances, submit to random drug testing and attend all treatment sessions. The Drug Court staff assists participants in successfully complete the program, but the choice and effort to change their lifestyle is theirs.