PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: March 11, 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 honor participants’ achievements on Thursday, March 14, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. CDT. The event will take place at the Minnehaha County Administration Building in Sioux Falls.
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.
With their friends and family in attendance, participants who have gone through this rigorous program and have successfully completed all five phases will be honored. Minnehaha County Public Defender Traci Smith will be the keynote speaker at the event.
The ceremony is open to the public and media, as well as family and friends of the participants who are graduating. The event will take place in the third-floor multi-purpose space of the Minnehaha County Administration Building, 415 N. Dakota Ave., Sioux Falls. Take the elevator to the third floor, take a left off the elevator, and go down the hall to the multi-purpose space. (Temporary signage will be in place to direct guests.)
Drug court graduation is an important part in participants’ 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, paid their fines and fees, and have completed countless hours of chemical dependency treatment. Additionally, they have found jobs, stable and sober housing, and have become leaders in sobriety.
For more information, contact Second Circuit Drug Court Coordinator Michael Hanson at 605-403-3448 or michael.hanson@ujs.state.sd.us.
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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.