PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: Nov. 6, 2024
Contact: Alisa Bousa, Public Information Officer, Alisa.Bousa@ujs.state.sd.us, 605.773.2031
Pennington County Treatment Courts to Hold Two Graduation Ceremonies in November
PIERRE, S.D.—The Pennington County’s treatment court teams invite the public to join them at two graduation ceremonies to recognize the remarkable accomplishments of participants completing the programs.
- Pennington County DUI Court Commencement Ceremony: Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, 10 a.m. MST, Commission Chambers (bottom floor), Pennington County Administration Building, 130 Kansas City St., Rapid City
- Pennington County Mental Health Court Commencement Ceremony: Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024, 3 p.m. MST, Courtroom C5 (third floor), Pennington County Courthouse, 315 St. Joseph St., Rapid City
Seventh Circuit Court Judge Jeffrey R. Connolly will be the featured speaker during the Mental Health Court graduation ceremony on Nov. 19.
The events are open to the public, media and cameras. The ceremonies will also be streamed live online at https://www.sd.net/UJSCourt2 for those who cannot attend in person.
Pennington County DUI Court was established in 2013 as an alternative to prison for justice-involved persons dealing with substance use and mental health disorders, who are at a high likelihood to reoffend. For the last 11 years, Pennington County DUI Court has offered intensive supervision, treatment for substance use and mental health, support services, and community-based resources to improve the overall wellbeing of the participants involved in the program.
Pennington County Mental Health Court was established in 2019 as an alternative to prison for justice-involved persons dealing with substance use and mental health disorders, who are at a high likelihood to reoffend. For the last five years, Pennington County Mental Health Court has offered intensive supervision, treatment for substance use and mental health, support services, and community-based resources to improve the overall wellbeing of the participants involved in the program.
For more information on Pennington County DUI Court or Mental Health Court, contact Court Coordinator Sean Ireland at 605-394-2595 ext. 1345 or sean.ireland@ujs.state.sd.us. Learn more about South Dakota’s treatment courts at https://ujs.sd.gov/Circuit_Court/Problem_Solving_Courts/Default.aspx.
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About South Dakota Courts: The Unified Judicial System (UJS) consists of the Supreme Court, Circuit Courts and State Court Administrator’s Office. The Supreme Court is the state’s highest court and final decision maker on South Dakota law. The Circuit Courts are the state’s trial courts where criminal proceedings and civil litigation are handled. The State Court Administrator’s Office provides centralized administrative assistance and support services for the South Dakota judiciary. Learn more at https://ujs.sd.gov.