PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: Jan. 9, 2025
Contact: Alisa Bousa, Public Information Officer, Alisa.Bousa@ujs.state.sd.us or 605.773.2031
James Valley Drug & DUI Court to Hold Graduation Ceremony
PIERRE, S.D.—James Valley Drug & DUI Court will hold a graduation ceremony on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. CST at the Davison County Fairgrounds, 40698 West Havens Ave., Mitchell. The keynote speaker will be Davison County Jail Administrator Grant Lanning, who has worked in law enforcement since 2012 and is a U.S. Army veteran.
The graduation ceremony is evidence of the tremendous impact James Valley Drug & DUI Court has had on its community. With their friends and family in attendance, participants who have gone through this intensive program and have successfully completed all phases will be honored. The event is open to the public and media.
James Valley Drug & DUI Court is a court-managed, alcohol/drug intervention treatment program designed to provide a cost-effective alternative to traditional criminal case processing. As an individual enters this voluntary, intensely-supervised program, they must be motivated to work toward changing their lifestyle and becoming free of alcohol and chemical use.
James Valley Drug Court began operation in 2013, adding a DUI Court track in 2014. The mission is to provide community-based rehabilitation through the use of intensive treatment and supervision to stop the cycle of repeat offenders and substance use disorders, thereby creating safer communities and reducing the cost of corrections.
Treatment courts are an effective strategy for treating substance use and mental health disorders while reducing recidivism and saving taxpayer dollars. These courts have proven that a combination of supervision, treatment and support can lead people with substance use and/or mental health disorders into lives of stability, wellness and recovery. Learn more about South Dakota’s treatment courts at https://ujs.sd.gov/Circuit_Court/Problem_Solving_Courts/Default.aspx.
For more information about James Valley Drug & DUI Court, contact Coordinator Sharon Kraft at 605-995-8993 or sharon.kraft@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.