Judge John Rochester creates first Drug Court for Clay and Coosa Counties


Judge Rochester In Court in Clay Co. Courthouse

Drug Court


Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Sue Bell Cobb has encouraged the creation of Drug Courts in each one of Alabama's sixty-seven counties. Chief Justice Cobb said Alabama's system could become a model for the nation by saving the state's money, reducing crime, and rehabilitating those who have violated the law. Judge Rochester and the Clay / Coosa County Court personnel have attended court- sponsored training sessions in an effort to learn how such a program might be set up.

Judge Rochester is currently in the process of creating a Drug Court in both Clay and Coosa Counties. He said, "Chief Justice Cobb's work toward addressing the problem of addiction should make our state a safer place. We should do everything in our power to keep our people out of jail. The old saying, 'an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure' still holds true. If we can keep people out of jail, then we have a better chance of helping them find incentives to stay out."

Defining Drug Courts

10 Key Components of Drug Courts

  • 1. Drug Courts integrate alcohol and other drug treatment services with justice system case processing.
  • 2. Using a non-adversarial approach, prosecution and defense counsel promote public safety while protecting participants' due process rights.
  • 3. Eligible participants are identified early and promptly placed in the drug court program.
  • 4. Drug courts provide access to a continuum of alcohol, drug, and other related treatment and rehabilitation services.
  • 5. Abstinence is monitored by frequent alcohol and other drug testing.
  • 6. A coordinated strategy governs drug court responses to participants' compliance.
  • 7. On going judicial interaction with each drug court participant is essential.
  • 8. Monitoring and evaluation measure the achievement of program goals and gauge effectiveness.
  • 9. Continuing interdisciplinary education promotes effective drug court planning, implementation, and operations.
  • 10. Forging partnerships among drug courts, public agencies, and community-based organizations generates local support and enhances drug court effectiveness