DUI/Drug Court

---

The Clayton County DUI/Drug Court is designed to coordinate a swift intervention to address substance abusing offenders by utilizing judicial oversight through enhanced supervision and individual accountability. The target population includes offenders charged with their second DUI in a 5 year period or third DUI in a lifetime. Other eligibility criteria includes being 18 years of age or older and a Clayton County resident.

Operation of the Clayton County DUI/Drug Court is presided over by Judge Linda Cowen with close collaboration from, the Solicitor General's Office, the local Bar Association, Law Enforcement, Probation and licensed substance abuse professionals. It is coordinated through the DUI/Drug Court Coordinator Office.

The Goals of the Program are to:

• Enhance public safety by reducing the recidivism rate of DUI offenders.
• Reduce the number of traffic accidents, injuries and deaths related to DUI offenses.
• Reduction of the significant time and high cost involving DUI offenders on the local criminal justice system.
• Promote sobriety in order to improve the quality of life for the participant, their family and the community.

Clayton County DUI/Drug Court is NOT a diversion program; the criminal charges will NOT be dismissed upon successful completion of the program. Incentives for completion include a sober, pro-social lifestyle. The program lasts a minimum of 12 months and involves substance abuse treatment, bi-weekly court appearances with the Judge, probation supervision, community service and payment of mandatory fines and fees.