The 5th Judicial District Problem-Solving Court serving Hamilton and Merrick Counties held its graduation ceremony and celebration on January 31, 2018, at 4:00 p.m. in the Merrick County District Courtroom. Presiding Problem-Solving Court Judge Rachel Daugherty hosted the ceremony. Ricky Simmons delivered the keynote address.

The 5th Judicial District Problem-Solving 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.

Read feature article in the Aurora News-Register: Local Problem-Solving Court Honors First Graduating Class

Photo: Judge Rachel Daugherty speaks with guests during Problem-Solving Court graduation, January 2018