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Atlanta Criminal Defense Lawyers > Blog > In the News > Athens DUI Court One of a Kind

Athens DUI Court One of a Kind

If you have never heard of the Athens DUI Drug Court, it is worth learning about. The court is the first of its kind in the state, and is one of only four in the country. The court not only works to take drunk drivers off of the road, but it goes a step further. The ultimate goal of the court is to make sure that people are able to beat their addictions.

Just this month, the court held training sessions for officials from North Carolina, Tennessee, Arkansas and other cities in Georgia. All are interested in starting similar programs in their own areas. State Court Judge Charles Auslander said, “The number one thing we try to do is show how an operational team works together. We try to show people who come from different backgrounds and different positions how to sit around a table and work for the good of the people in your program.”

When it comes to helping people get treatment, everyone is able to offer an opinion. Judges, prosecutors, counselors, police officers, and probation officers all collaborate to come up with the best solutions. The program in Athens is a 14-month long commitment that gives participants the best chance at success. It is a rigorous program, not one to be taken lightly, but has been shown to be effective for those who have made it through.

Participants in the program volunteer to take part, but they have great incentive to do so. Incentives may include reduced jail time, community service credit, reduced fines, and assistance in having their driver’s license returned.

The program makes Athens a safer place to live, and assists people who may have not had a chance to escape their addictions. It is truly a win-win for the community.

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