Second Circuit Treatment Courts to Hold Two Graduations
Second Circuit Treatment Courts invite the public to help recognize participants who have successfully completed all phases and requirements of the drug court and DUI court programs.
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: Nov. 12, 2026
Contact: Alisa Bousa, Public Information Officer, via email or 605.773.2031
Second Circuit Treatment Courts to Hold Two Graduations
PIERRE, S.D.—Second Circuit Treatment Courts invite the public to help recognize participants who have successfully completed all phases and requirements of the drug court and DUI court programs.
- Second Circuit Drug Court: Thursday, Nov. 19, 2026, 1 p.m. CST, Courtroom 4B (Fourth Floor). The keynote speaker will be Supreme Court Justice Mark E. Salter.
- Second Circuit DUI Court: Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2026, 9:30 a.m. CST, Courtroom 5A (Fifth Floor). The keynote speaker will be Peyton R., a former DUI court graduate.
Both events will be held at the Minnehaha County Courthouse at 425 N. Dakota Ave., Sioux Falls. Guests should enter the Minnehaha County Courthouse through security and proceed to the appropriate courtroom. The events are open to friends and family of the participants who are graduating, as well as the public.
Drug court and DUI court graduations are an important part in a participant’s journey to building a life of responsibility and accountability. The events will celebrate participants who have gone through these rigorous programs and have successfully completed all five phases. During their time in the programs, participants have been responsible for multiple drug screens every week, they have paid their fines and fees in full, and they have completed countless hours of chemical dependency treatment. Additionally, they have found jobs, stable and sober housing, and have become leaders in sobriety.
Second Circuit Drug Court and Second Circuit DUI Court provide an innovative approach to rehabilitation. Instead of prison time, these courts guarantee supervision and allow offenders access to counseling, treatment and support to help them overcome addiction. The programs also enable participants to pay their taxes during rehabilitation, rather than putting their burden on the rest of the community. Participants are repeat offenders who are employed and repay court costs, fines and child support while they work toward achieving and maintaining sobriety.
Learn more about South Dakota’s treatment courts. For more information about Second Circuit Drug Court, contact Court Coordinator Rhiannon Weber via email. For more information about Second Circuit DUI Court, contact Court Coordinator Emily Westphal 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.