~Welcome to The Turn~
Wright County Adult Drug Court Program

What is Drug Court?

Drug Courts are evidence-based treatment courts designed to:

• Target individuals in the criminal justice system who have a substance abuse or dependence disorder;
• Aid participants in gaining and maintaining sobriety to reduce recidivism;
• Reduce court costs;
• Create law abiding citizens; and
• Provide individuals the opportunity to change life circumstances and become chemically free.

The Mission of The Turn (Wright County Adult Drug Court) is to enhance the cost-effectiveness of the county criminal justice system by providing intensive case management, treatment, and court supervision for individuals arrested for drug related offenses. By holding participants accountable for their actions and providing them with access to a diverse range of needed services, participants will be equipped with the necessary tools to lead productive, drug-free and crime-free lives.

Established in 2016, The Turn Program represents a collaborative effort of criminal justice stakeholders working together to break the cycle of recidivism among drug addicted offenders in the court system.

Components of this abstinence-based program include: chemical dependency assessment and treatment, assessment for participation in other programming (cognitive learning groups, mental health interventions), random alcohol and drug testing, regular court appearances, case management meetings, attendance of community support groups, obtaining employment or pursuing education, participating in pro-social activities, and payment of program fees.

The Turn is a post-plea, presentence voluntary program. Participants who successfully complete drug court generally receive a non-prison sentence, no additional jail sanction, a shortened probation period or a stay of imposition/adjudication of sentence.

Statistics

Prior to establishment of The Turn, Wright County saw approximately 175 court filings for drug offenses in each of 2013, 2014, and 2015. These filings resulted in 91 felony-controlled substance sentences in 2014; of these, 29% (26 cases) resulted in prison sentences, with the remaining individuals sentenced to a combination of jail and probation.

Over half of the Child in Need of Protection or Services cases filed in 2013 and 2014 in Wright County involved at least one parent having issues with controlled substances.

The chart below shows the primary drug(s) of choice amongst The Turn’s 29 participants that were accepted into drug court, as of October 1, 2018. (Several of the participants have more than one drug of choice)

Any questions about The Turn or for additional information, please contact Chris Jahnke, The Turn -Drug Court Probation Agent.

Quote from Participant:

"I am in this program for me because it is my life and I want it back."