After successfully graduating 155 addicts through drug court, the Eighth Judicial District in Larimer County is creating a DUI court that will enroll its initial clients starting July 1.
While the creation of the DUI court has been years in the making, it comes right on the heels of Colorado legislation designed to create increased treatment for DUI offenders.
Officials say DUI court is part of a larger effort to provide treatment to those with substance abuse problems after drug courts have had success nationwide.
"There's recognition that people who commit this offense will continue to do so until they get treatment," said Larimer County Magistrate Matthew Zehe, who will oversee DUI court when it begins. "There's a movement within government that (treatment) really needs to be explored."
Officials said the success of drug court has helped facilitate the creation of DUI court. In Larimer County, 362 people have participated in drug court since 2001 and 155 have graduated.
Of those 155, nearly 94 percent have not had a felony or misdemeanor conviction in the year after graduation and 83 percent still had no convictions after three years, according to Drug Court Coordinator Alison Newcomer.
Like drug court, DUI court is being created with the goal of not just rehabilitating people, but preparing participants to live a productive life.
"We want the participant to not only work on mental health and substance abuse... but also on building job skills and life skills," said Sarah Keck, the Larimer County DUI court coordinator.
For further information, please visit your Larimer County DUI Lawyer.
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