Judge: Jack Partain
Coordinator: George Shirilla
Drug Court Calendar
Drug Court Judge, Drug Court Coordinator
Welcome to the screening process and possible admission into the Conasauga Drug Court Program. The program began in February, 2002 and provides the opportunity for drug treatment under the supervision of the Conasauga Circuit Superior Court. The purpose of our program is to reduce repeat drug-related offenses by creating the opportunity for recovery from chemical addiction. We seek to quickly identify eligible and suitable candidates through a post-arrest screening process.
Candidates enter a guilty plea to the current charges and receive a probation sentence, part of which is served in attending and successfully completing the Program. Participants, who are eligible for “first offender” status and successfully complete the probated sentence, will not have a felony conviction on their record. This program is a unique opportunity and privilege in the judicial process. It may very well be the most important decision you make in order to restore your life. You can avoid the major problems that are the result of criminal behavior and chemical dependence.
The program will challenge you in terms of accountability and commitment to a recovery process that only you can begin. A team, that includes Judge Jack Partain, representatives from the District Attorney’s Office, Public Defender and defense bar, local law enforcement agencies, State Probation Office, Drug and Alcohol Treatment Team, and the Program Coordinator, conducts the program. Members evaluate eligible candidates for admission, as well as monitor participant progress and challenges throughout treatment.
The Conasauga Drug Court Program includes:
- two years of outpatient drug treatment,
- daily, random drug testing,
- regular and unscheduled meetings with your probation officer,
- verifiable participation in 12-Step (AA or NA) meetings,
- recurring court appearances before Judge Partain,
- incentives and sanctions related to progress and non-compliance,
- community supervision by probation and local law enforcement officers,
- referral to needed community services,
- progress toward family, employment, and educational goals,
- financial investment in your treatment,
- an opportunity to make choices that improve self-care and self-confidence, promote family unity, reveal rewarding career choices, enhance social and communications skills, and
- return to a crime-free, drug-free lifestyle.
gshirilla@whitfieldcountyga.com
P.O. Box 2535 , Dalton, GA 30722 –2535
phone (706) 281-4811
fax (706) 226-5731
Requirements
Program Phases
PHASE I - Minimum 6 weeks long. Five days per week; two hours each weekday morning. Random drug tests. Court appearance every week. Program fee $40.00 per week. Meet requirements for phase progression.
PHASE II – 20 weeks long. Three mornings per week; two hours per day. Random drug tests. Court appearance every week. Program fee $35.00 per week. Meet requirements for phase progression.
PHASE III - 26 weeks long. Two mornings per week; two hours per day. Random drug tests. Court appearance every two weeks. Program fee $30.00 per week. Meet requirements for phase progression.
PHASE IV - 26 weeks long. One morning per week; two hours per day. Random drug tests. Court appearance every three weeks. Program fee $25.00 per week. Meet requirements for phase progression.
Continuing Care - 26 weeks long. One morning every other week; two hours per day. Random drug tests. Court appearance every four weeks. Program fee $15 per week. Meet requirements for Graduation.
During all phases, documented attendance at Alcoholics and/or Narcotics Anonymous meetings is required. Other program components that support recovery include employment, education, and family education.
The Drug Court Team recommends incentives for exceptional progress, as well as sanctions for program violations, to the Judge. Sanctions will be graduated based on your history of behavior, gravity and frequency of the offense, and your demonstrated truthfulness and accountability for your behavior. In the case of major violations, a determination may be made that continuation in the program is not in the best interest of the program or the participant. Sentencing, then, will proceed, based on the original charges, with loss of first offender status.
Your treatment plan will be your guide to steady improvement, in terms of awareness, applied skills and self-directed behavior, and encourages movement from one phase to the next with no down time. Other levels of care or retention in a phase may also support your progress. In all cases, the Team makes recommendations to the Judge in weekly staffing that precedes each Drug Court session.
Your decision to participate in Drug Court will improve the quality of your life for years to come. Your decision may actually save your family and your life.
Conasauga Drug Court Works!
