PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: Nov. 26, 2024
Contact: Alisa Bousa, Public Information Officer, Alisa.Bousa@ujs.state.sd.us, 605.773.2031
Second Circuit Drug Court to Hold Graduation Ceremony
PIERRE, S.D.— Second Circuit Drug Court will hold a graduation ceremony to recognize the remarkable accomplishments of those completing the program on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024, at 1 p.m. CST.
The ceremony will be held in the Commission Chambers (third floor) of the Minnehaha County Administration Building at 415 N. Dakota Ave. in Sioux Falls. Temporary signage will be in place to direct guests. This event is open to friends and family of the participants who are graduating, as well as the public.
The keynote speakers will be Dusti, a Drug Court alumnus, and Sioux Falls Police Department Chief Jonathan Thum.
Drug Court graduation is an important part in a participant’s journey to building a life of responsibility and accountability. During their time in the program, participants have been responsible for multiple drug screens every week, have paid their fines and fees in full, and have completed countless hours of chemical dependency treatment. Additionally, they have found jobs, stable and sober housing, and have become leaders in sobriety.
Second Circuit Drug Court provides an innovative approach to rehabilitation. Instead of prison time, Drug Court guarantees supervision and allows offenders access to counseling, treatment and support to help them overcome addiction. Drug Court also enables participants to pay their taxes during rehabilitation, rather than putting their burden on the rest of the community. Participants in Drug Court are repeat offenders who are employed and repaying Court costs, fines and child support while they work toward achieving and maintaining sobriety.
For more information, contact Second Circuit Drug Court Coordinator Nichole Larive at 605-201-9395 or nichole.larive@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.