The Lancaster County Adult Drug Court held a graduation ceremony and celebration on July 10, 2023. The ceremony marks the completion of an intensive program of comprehensive behavioral health treatment, intensive community supervision, and full accountability for the ten graduates. Judge John Colborn presided over the ceremony, with Judge Andrew Jacobsen also in attendance.

In his 2015 report on the State of the Judiciary, Nebraska Supreme Court Chief Justice Michael G. Heavican observed that 80% or more of those involved in the criminal justice system struggle with substance use, and he highlighted Drug Court as one of the most successful and cost-effective sentencing alternatives available to address addiction and associated crime. This conclusion echoes more than two decades of scientific research which confirms that Drug Courts achieve better outcomes than incarceration  (95% of Drug Court graduates in Nebraska remain crime-free one year later).

Pictured are graduate Matt Hutchinson, his support team, and Senator Carolyn Bosn.

Adult drug and problem-solving courts are an alternate route through the criminal justice system for nonviolent drug-related offenders. Drug courts utilize a specialized team process within the existing state trial court structure. All problem-solving courts are designed to reduce recidivism and substance use among individuals with substance use disorders. The court aims to protect public safety and increase the participant’s likelihood of successful rehabilitation by utilizing validated risk and need assessments, early and individualized behavioral health treatment, frequent and random chemical testing, incentives, sanctions, and other rehabilitative and ancillary services.

For additional information, please contact:

Dean Rohwer, Problem-Solving Court Coordinator, 402-441-1658