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1. What is Treatment Court?

Treatment Court is a program for adult residents of Luzerne County who have been charged with non-violent offenses which were related to their addiction to drugs or alcohol. Treatment court uses a team approach to provide comprehensive supervision including frequent drug testing, a continuum of treatment services, and immediate sanctions and incentives designed to help addicts begin to lead sober and productive lives.

2. Who is eligible for Treatment Court?

Eligible applicants must be residents of Luzerne County, at least 18 years of age, who have committed non-violent crimes as a result of their drug or alcohol addictions. Eligible offenders will not have current charges or past convictions for violent offenses as defined by Federal Statute or by the Luzerne County District Attorney’s Office. Offenders with felony sexual offenses, drug trafficking or DUI charges will also be ineligible. Ideally, offenders will apply to Treatment Court as close to the date of arrest as possible.

3. What will happen to my current charges if I enter Treatment Court?

In order to be accepted into Treatment Court you must enter a guilty plea to your current charges. Sentencing will be deferred until your graduation or termination from the program. If you successfully reach graduation, then your charges will be dismissed. If you remain crime and drug free during your post-graduation tracking period of 1 to 3 years then you may petition the Court to have your charges expunged (removed from your record). If you fail to comply with the program rules to the point of termination, then your guilty plea will be accepted by the Court, and you will be sentenced on your charges.

4. What will be expected of me if I enter Treatment Court?

Participants of Treatment Court are held accountable for program compliance at all times. When you first enter Treatment Court you will be required to attend weekly court sessions, weekly meetings with your Probation Officer and Case Manager, treatment sessions as prescribed, peer-support meetings, and you will be subject to frequent random drug testing. As you successfully progress through the program the frequency of appointments will gradually decrease.

In addition to following all program rules, you will also be required to maintain regular employment, make payments on your court costs, restitution, child support, and a program fee of $10 per week. You will be immediately sanctioned for any violations (ex. writing an essay, community service, house arrest, incarceration) and you will be rewarded for program compliance and achievements (e.g. verbal praise, small tokens, gift cards, reduction in fees).

5. How do I complete Treatment Court?

Participation in Treatment Court requires a commitment of at least 12 months, but may take longer depending on your compliance. In order to graduate from the program, you must:

• Establish an aftercare plan
• Maintain adequate housing
• Maintain full-time employment
• Obtain a high school diploma or GED
• Pay all court costs, fines, restitution, child support and program fees
• Remain drug / alcohol and arrest free for six months prior to graduation
• Successfully complete treatment and all program phases

6. How do I apply for Treatment Court?

If you meet initial eligibility criteria, you may request referral and application forms, or an appointment to complete your application by contacting Treatment Court Coordinator, Kelly J. Cesari, at 570-408-8180 or by sending in-house mail from Luzerne County Correctional Facility. Instructions for submitting the completed forms are included on the application.

Download Treatment Court Application Form (PDF)