The Custer County Adult Drug Court celebrated a graduation in Broken Bow on February 20, 2020, at the Custer County Justice Center. For the graduate, Latisha Dominguez, the ceremony marks the completion of an intensive program of comprehensive mental health treatment, intensive community supervision, and full accountability. Presiding Adult Drug Court Judge Tami Schendt hosted the ceremony.

Pictured in the left picture above is Custer County Court Judge Tami Schendt who presided over the Adult Drug Court graduation ceremony of Latisha Dominguez.  The picture on the right is District Judge Karin Noakes who granted the dismissal of the felony charges against Ms. Dominguez on the same day as her graduation. Ms. Dominguez currently works at Mid-Plains in the detox center and is attending school to become a licensed drug and alcohol counselor. Ms. Dominguez also wants to become a licensed Mental Health Counselor.  Latisha is another example of how Drug Courts can changes lives through rehabilitation and accountability.  Latisha stated, “Addiction was a symptom of her trauma.”

Adult Drug Courts are an alternate route through the criminal justice system for nonviolent drug-related offenders which utilizes a specialized team process that functions within the existing court structure. The courts are designed to achieve a reduction in recidivism and substance use among individuals with substance use disorders. The court’s goal is 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:
Doug Stanton, North Central Problem-Solving Court Coordinator
Cell: (402) 340-3461    Email: douglas.stanton@nebraska.gov