PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: Nov. 21, 2023
Contact: Alisa Bousa, Public Information Officer, Alisa.Bousa@ujs.state.sd.us | 605.773.2031
Pennington County Drug Court and DUI Court to Hold Graduation Ceremonies
PIERRE, S.D.—Pennington County Drug Court and DUI Court will hold graduation ceremonies at the Pennington County Administration Building in Rapid City on Nov. 28 and 29, 2023, to honor participants’ achievements.
- Drug Court Graduation: Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023, 3 p.m. MST
- DUI Court Graduation: Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2023, 10 a.m. MST
The graduation ceremonies are evidence of the tremendous impact that Drug Court and DUI Court have on the community. The graduations are open to the public, as well as family and friends of the participants. They are also open to the media and cameras, with interviews available upon request.
Both graduations will be held in the Pennington County Commission Chambers located on the bottom floor of the Pennington County Administration Building, 130 Kansas City St., Rapid City. Use the second level public entrance on the south side of the building along Kansas City Street, turn left and go down the stairs. The Commission Chambers are at the bottom of the staircase.
The ceremonies will also be streamed live online at www.sd.net/UJSCourt2 for those who cannot attend in person.
Pennington County DUI Court was established in 2013, followed by Drug Court in 2016. These courts provide an innovative approach to rehabilitating those substantially impacted by a substance use disorder or mental health disorder who are likely to continue to commit crimes without intervention. This is a public health approach to justice reform in which treatment providers partner with probation, defense, prosecution, law enforcement and the judge to ensure individuals before the courts receive personalized and evidence-based treatment, ongoing support and recovery services.
Drug and DUI Courts are an effective strategy for treating substance abuse and mental illness 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.
Instead of prison time, Problem-Solving Courts deliver services for lifelong recovery, keep our roads safe from impaired drivers, give parents tools they need to stay sober and maintain custody of their children, and divert individuals from a life of substance abuse, mental illness and crime. They have been proven to reduce use of jail and prison beds, emergency room admissions, family conflicts associated with domestic violence and child abuse, and foster care placements.
To learn more, visit https://ujs.sd.gov/Circuit_Court/Problem_Solving_Courts. For more information, contact Ashlee May, Pennington County Drug Court coordinator, at 605-394-2595 or Ashlee.May@ujs.state.sd.us or Sean Ireland, Pennington County DUI Court coordinator, at 605-394-2595 or sean.ireland@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.