Adult Circuit Drug Court

Presiding Judge
Honorable Janice K. Cunningham

Alternate Judge
Honorable John D. Maurer

In December of 2007, Eaton County implemented the Eaton County Adult Circuit Drug Court (ACDC) as a means to effectively treat and manage an increasing felony offender population presenting with a substance use disorder. Traditional adjudication process for a felony takes five to six months to conclude and for treatment to be initiated. This practice was lengthy, costly, and presented risk to the public. The ACDC adjudication (date of offense to sentencing date) process covering referral, admission, supervision while on bond status, and sentencing is reduced to approximately nine weeks. The adjudication process is expedited for ACDC referrals with a primary objective to enroll participants in appropriate treatment as soon as possible. Previously, in the absence of an Eaton County Adult Circuit Drug Court program, these offenders were incarcerated in jail and later released with minimal assistance, direction and/or support in resolving their addiction needs.

The Eaton County Adult Circuit Drug Court Program (ACDC) uses the drug court principles to promote sobriety, recovery, and stability through a coordinated response that involves collaboration with the traditional partners found in drug courts and community based treatment providers.

The Mission of the Eaton County Adult Circuit Drug Court is to promote public safety, reduce substance abuse and reduce recidivism among non-violent adult felony offenders. This is done through using a non-adversarial approach to provide early detection and screening of offenders for drug abuse, and placement into treatment.

With funding provided through the State Court Administrators Office, we are able to provide services to this specific population.