Defendants comment on new Girard Drug Court

GIRARD

Cassandra, a 29-year-old Girard resident, says she can’t imagine what her life would be like without a drug recovery program through Girard Municipal Court.

Then, she takes a moment to consider and decides she can imagine where she’d be – either dead or in jail.

Girard Municipal Court recently received initial certification from the Ohio Supreme Court to operate a program designed to rehabilitate non-violent drug offenders. Most drug courts – such as those operated by Mahoning and Trumbull counties – offer programs for those facing felony drug charges.

Girard Municipal Court’s program is somewhat unusual because it deals with misdemeanor sentences.

Judge Jeffrey Adler said he’s encountered some skepticism about the viability of a misdemeanor drug court.

“You don’t have that time hanging over their heads,” Adler said of people facing misdemeanor sentences. “Actually, I think that works better because you have people who actually want to be there.”

To be eligible for Girard’s drug court program, the alleged offender must be non-violent. Certain charges also disqualify someone from participating.

Read more about the program in Thursday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.