Northern Hills Drug Court and Fourth Circuit DUI Court Celebrate Commencements on May 17, 2022
For Immediate Release: May 5, 2022
Northern Hills Drug Court and 4th Circuit DUI Court Celebrate Commencement on May 17, 2022
The Fourth Judicial Circuit is proud to announce the Commencement Ceremony for graduates from Northern Hills Drug Court and 4th Circuit DUI Court. The ceremony will be held on Thursday, May 17th, 2022 at 2:00pm at the Sturgis Community Center, 1401 Lazelle Street in Sturgis, SD. We are honored to have Chief Justice Steven R. Jensen as our guest speaker. The public is invited to attend.
Problem-Solving Courts (P-SC), such as The Northern Hills Drug and 4th Circuit DUI Courts, are specially designed court dockets aimed at reducing criminal recidivism and addressing issues surrounding substance abuse, while allowing offenders to stay within the community. Problem-Solving Courts in SD address the rising number of drug and alcohol related offenses within our communities. Drug and DUI courts work by recognizing that unless substance abuse ends, fines and jail time are unlikely to prevent future criminal activity.
Participants in the Problem-Solving Courts are subject to Judicial supervision through weekly court hearings, frequent and random drug testing, and attendance at designated treatment services. Participants are guided by a team of professionals, including a judge, states attorney, defense attorney, clinicians, probation officers, law enforcement and a program coordinator. The Team monitors client progress and supports the clients as they find healthy peer groups, obtain employment, pay outstanding fines and fees, give back to the community by volunteering, and most importantly regain relationships with their families, children and the community all by striving for a life of recovery.
Magistrate Judge, Francy Foral, is the presiding judge for the Northern Hills Drug and 4th Circuit DUI Court. “The goal we have for our participants is recovery. Understanding that recovery is an ongoing process of change, we strive to strike the right balance between treatment and accountability for every participant. At program completion, each graduate has the tools she/he needs to live a life in recovery. These graduates have made great strides toward living healthy, substance-free lives.”
The Northern Hills Drug and 4th Circuit Court team cordially invites the public to join us in celebrating and recognizing the accomplishments of the graduates. A reception will be held immediately following the ceremony.
Contact: Greg.Sattizahn@ujs.state.sd.us or 605.773.8458