The Douglas County Adult Drug Court will hold its 99th ceremony and celebration on December 7, 2017, at 2:00 p.m. at the Omaha/Douglas County Civic Center Legislative Chambers in Omaha, Nebraska.  

For Drug Court graduates, the ceremony marks the completion of an intensive program of comprehensive drug treatment, close supervision, and full accountability. There will be 12 graduates. Judges presiding over the Adult Drug Court include: Gary Randall, Gregory Schatz, Thomas Otepka, and Leigh Ann Retelsdorf. ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Judge Retelsdorf will deliver the graduation ceremony keynote address.  

According to Nebraska Supreme Court Committee on Problem-Solving Courts Chair, Judge Jim Doyle of Lexington, “Nebraska’s Drug and Problem-Solving Courts have saved thousands of tax dollars, and the individuals served in the courts who have followed the programs have changed their lives and the lives of their loved ones for the better.” Doyle continued, “The previous philosophy of incarceration for all offenders has been replaced by community-based treatment programs that cause people to change the way they think and that requires people to be accountable for their actions without imprisonment.”

State Problem-Solving Court Coordinator Adam Jorgensen noted that Nebraska Problem-Solving Courts ‘best practice standards’ are used to assist in successful interventions with all participants. He continued, “Nebraska’s Problem-Solving Courts are committed to utilizing evidence-based practices to improve community safety, increase successful outcomes, and reduce recidivism.”

The Douglas County Adult Drug Court, like other Nebraska Problem-Solving Courts, operates under a team approach where a judge, prosecutor, defense counsel, community supervision officer, law enforcement, and treatment provider work together to design an individualized program.  Compliance with treatment and court orders is verified by frequent alcohol and drug testing, close community supervision, and interaction with a judge during non-adversarial court review hearings.  Problem-Solving Courts enhance close monitoring of participants using home and field visits.

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Local Contact:   Paul Yakel, Douglas County Adult Drug Court Coordinator
Phone:                 (402) 599-2655

State Contact:   Adam Jorgensen, Statewide Problem-Solving Court Coordinator, Nebraska Supreme Court

Phone:                 t 402.471.4415 | c 402.219.4297