Rule 11 Successful Completion of Drug Court
Rule Text
(a) Graduation Ceremonies. Graduation ceremonies are held to commemorate participants who have met the graduation requirements. Before graduation, the Team begins working with the participant to fully integrate them into the community. This includes the preparation of a long-term recovery plan (what was learned, plans to avoid relapse, and future goals) and other requirements imposed by Drug Court. The goal for each participant is to have in place a relapse prevention plan, stable housing, and a steady source of income.
(b) Graduation Requirements. A participant must meet all of the following criteria to graduate:
(1) Successful completion of all Program requirements and payment of all fines, fees, and/or costs;
NMI JUDICIARY DRUG COURT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES CITE AS: NMI Drug Ct. P.P. EFFECTIVE: DECEMBER 17, 2025
(2) Satisfactory completion of community service and other Program assignments;
(3) Six consecutive months of sobriety;
(4) Sixty consecutive days sanction-free (exceptions may be made for minor violations);
(5) Completion of an approved community-based project;
(6) Completion of long-term Aftercare/relapse prevention Plan;
(7) Completion of an Exit Survey;
(8) A positive recommendation for graduation by the Team; and
(9) The approval of the Judge.
(c) Substantial Completion. The Judge, with the recommendation of the Team, may grant a successful completion of the Program without a formal graduation ceremony under the following circumstances:
(1) A participant’s terminal illness has caused their health to deteriorate so severely that continued treatment compliance is impossible and there is no likelihood of future criminal conduct.
(2) A participant has maintained at least six months of continued sobriety, successfully fulfilled commencement requirements, and demonstrated a compelling reason for early dismissal.
(3) A participant diagnosed with a mental illness after entry, or whose pre-existing mental illness has significantly worsened, who represents no public safety risk and no likelihood for further criminal conduct, if the mental illness precludes further treatment compliance. The participant must have successfully engaged in treatment for at least 120 non-custody days at some time prior to dismissal.