54A District Court celebrates Sobriety Court graduation

The 54A District Court held its 15th Sobriety Court graduation ceremony on June 11. "Sobriety Court and the Sobriety Court team provide a structured, monitored program for individuals who have a desire to adopt a healthy, sober lifestyle," said Judge Louise Alderson, who presides over the Court." The 54A Sobriety Court's mission to enhance public safety and community welfare by reducing recidivism among drug and alcohol offenders is accomplished through an interdisciplinary approach including intensive supervision, individualized treatment and personal accountability monitored by frequent judicial review. The program effectively uses court and community resources to support individuals in developing and maintaining a substance free lifestyle. 54A District Court's Sobriety Court is a grant-funded program for felony offenders charged with an OWI 3rd Offense. The program began in 2005 and with this graduation ceremony there will be 77 successful graduates. Specialty Court programs across the country are designed to protect the public, reduce crime, and reduce the costs of incarceration. Between October 1, 2014 and April 1, 2015 54A District Court's Sobriety Court program saved a total of 1,928 jail days. According to Ingham County Community Corrections, the jail cost per day for 2015 is $68.07, and therefore 54A District Court Sobriety Court saved Ingham County taxpayers $131,238.96. Published: Thu, Jul 02, 2015