Treatment Court (TC), sometimes called “Drug Court” and created in January 2006, was Luzerne County’s first evidence-based program to target recidivism. This diversionary program for adults incorporates comprehensive, community-based supervision and a continuum of services to lead participants to sober, productive lives. In 2013, Luzerne County’s Treatment Court became the 5TH court system in the Commonwealth to earn accreditation through the State Supreme Court, demonstrating the program’s adherence to nationally-recognized drug court guidelines.

Approved participants appear before the Court and enter a guilty plea to their current charge. Upon agreement to abide by all of the terms and conditions, the final sentence/order is deferred, and the participant is admitted into the program. Those who successfully complete and graduate have their charges dismissed. Those who remain crime-free and drug-free during a post-graduation tracking period of 1 to 3 years (depending on the offense) may also petition the Court to have their case expunged (entirely removed from the record).

For participants who have served our county,  the Veteran’s Track is ensures that every veteran is linked with a fellow volunteer veteran mentor. Mentors work as advocates and help the participant successfully reintegrate into the community. Treatment programming is coordinated through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. For more information visit the Veterans Justice Partnership website. To become a volunteer Veteran Mentor, visit the Pennsylvania Courts.

Treatment Court Team

Treatment Court is a collaborative effort between criminal justice professionals and local treatment providers, including WVADS, Luzerne/Wyoming Counties Drug & Alcohol Program, CEO, and Robinson Counseling Center. 

Core Treatment Court Team members are:

• Honorable Joseph F. Sklarosky, Jr. - Court of Common Pleas of Luzerne County
• Honorable William H. Amesbury - Senior Judge
• Honorable Joseph J. Carmody - Magisterial District Judge (alternate)
• Danielle Goldowski - Treatment Court Coordinator
• Attorney Jim McMonagle - Assistant District Attorney
• Attorney Jessica Miraglia - Defense Counsel 
• Timothy Hlivia - Adult Probation / Parole Officer
• Jennifer Weiss - Adult Probation / Parole Officer
• Laura Biga - Probation Services Case Manager
• Chief Joseph Coffay, Wilkes-Barre City Police Department

Read our Treatment Court FAQ

For Participants: Treatment Court Newsletters

Treatment Court News, August 2020

Treatment Court News, September 2020

Treatment Court News, October 2020

Treatment Court News, November 2020

Treatment Court News, December 2020

Treatment Court News, January 2021

Treatment Court News, February 2021

Treatment Court News, March 2021

Treatment Court News, April 2021

Treatment Court News, May 2021

Treatment Court News, June 2021

Treatment Court News, July 2021

Treatment Court News, August 2021