The Midwest Nebraska Adult Drug Court in Lexington held a graduation ceremony and celebration on August 2, 2021, at the Dawson County District Court. Presiding Midwest Nebraska Problem Solving Court Judge James Doyle hosted the ceremony and delivered the keynote address.

For Drug Court graduates, the ceremony marks the completion of an intensive program of comprehensive drug treatment, close supervision, and full accountability. Drug Court is a minimum 20-month program where participants learn to live a  successful life free from drugs and alcohol.

According to Judge James Doyle, "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 Doyle continued, "The previous philosophy of incarceration for all offenders has been replaced by community-based treatment programs that cause people to change the way they think and that requires people to be accountable for their actions without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."

Like other Nebraska Problem-Solving Courts, the Midwest Nebraska Problem Solving Adult Drug Court 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.

For more information, please contact:

Anne Power, Midwest Nebraska Problem Solving Court Coordinator, 308-746-2833, anne.power@nebraska.gov