Pennington County Treatment Courts to Hold Four Graduations

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: Sept. 22, 2026
Contact: Alisa Bousa, Public Information Officer, via email or 605.773.2031

Pennington County Treatment Courts to Hold Four Graduations

PIERRE, S.D.—Pennington County Treatment Courts are holding four graduation ceremonies and invite the public to help recognize participants who have successfully completed all phases and requirements of their respective treatment court programs.

• Pennington County Mental Health Court: Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026, 3 p.m. MDT, Courtroom C8 (first floor)
• Pennington County DUI Court: Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026, 10 a.m. MDT, Courtroom C8 (first floor)
• Pennington County Drug Court: Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026, 3 p.m. MDT, Courtroom C2 (third floor)
• Pennington County Veterans Court: Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026, 10:30 a.m. MDT, Courtroom C2 (third floor)

The graduation ceremonies will be held at the Pennington County Courthouse at 315 St. Joseph St., Rapid City. The ceremonies will also be streamed live online for those who cannot attend in person.

Pennington County Treatment Courts—including drug court, DUI court, veterans court and mental health court—are intensive sentencing alternatives for justice-involved individuals whose substance use disorder or mental illness contributes to their risk of continued involvement in the criminal justice system.

Treatment courts combine accountability, supervision and treatment. Participants are expected to follow court requirements, attend treatment, remain engaged in recovery, meet regularly with supervision staff, submit to drug and alcohol testing when required, and appear before the judge for ongoing review of their progress. Participants are held accountable for their choices through consistent responses to both progress and noncompliance.

Treatment court teams include judges, probation officers, treatment providers, prosecutors, defense attorneys and law enforcement who work together to address participant needs while maintaining a focus on public safety and accountability. Evidence-based treatment and recovery services are paired with structured supervision to help participants reduce behaviors associated with future criminal activity and build the skills needed for long-term stability.

Graduation represents more than completion of treatment. Graduates have met the requirements of a rigorous court-supervised program and demonstrated sustained progress toward recovery, personal responsibility and positive change.

Learn more information about South Dakota Treatment Courts.  

For more information about Pennington County Mental Health Court and Pennington County DUI Court, contact Treatment Court Coordinator Rick Olauson at 605-381-2441 or via email. For more information about Pennington County Drug Court or Pennington County Veterans Court, contact Treatment Court Coordinator Ashlee May at 605-394-2595 ext. 1223 or via email. 

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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 about UJS.