PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: Aug. 11, 2023
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, Aug. 17, 2023, at 3 p.m. CDT. The event will take place in Courtroom 4B at the Minnehaha County Courthouse, 425 N. Dakota Ave., Sioux Falls.
The graduation ceremony is evidence of the tremendous impact that the Second Circuit Drug Court has on the community. South Dakota Supreme Court Justice Mark E. Salter will be the keynote speaker.
This event is open to the public, as well as family and friends of the participants who are graduating. Media is invited to attend, with interviews available upon request. Those attending are asked to enter the courthouse through the front entry, where they will have to go through security screening. Attendees will then take the elevators, located to the right of the security area, to the fourth floor. The courtroom will be on the right when exiting the elevators.
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. It also enables participants to pay their taxes during rehabilitation, rather than putting their burden on the rest of the community. Participants in Drug Court are repeat offenders who are employed and repaying court costs, fines and child support while they work toward achieving and maintaining sobriety.
“Drug Court graduation is an important part in participants’ journey to building a life of responsibility and accountability. We celebrate participants who have gone through this rigorous program and have successfully completed all five phases,” said Second Circuit Drug Court Coordinator Michael Hanson. “During their time in the program, they have been responsible for multiple drug screens every week, paid their fines and fees, and 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 Hanson at 605-367-5930 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.