The Kootenai County DUI Court program is a specialized Treatment Court which provides an alternative to traditional prosecution. It handles crimes committed by medium to high-risk substance- dependent repeat offenders. The program consists of: intensive supervision of clients by an Adult Misdemeanor probation officer, frequent appearances before the DUI Court judge, mandatory substance use disorder counseling, and frequent and random drug and alcohol testing. The entire program length, which is determined by the participant's progress, will not be less than twelve (12) months. After graduation from the DUI Court program, each client will remain on supervised probation for six (6) months, and then be moved to unsupervised probation for six (6) months.
In a treatment court, a judge leads a team including attorneys, coordinators, treatment providers, probation officer, and law enforcement, focused on each participant's case. Participants are required to attend intensive outpatient treatment, intensive supervision with probation, attend recurring court hearings, and submit random observed drug tests at a minimum of twice per week.
The DUI Court program is approximately 12 months long and includes 4 phases. The length of time in the program is based on individualized needs, treatment goals and phase competencies. If needed, the DUI Court may extend the program, or modify treatment to allow for additional time to successfully complete program requirements
DUI Courts represent a very nontraditional approach to criminal offenders who are substance dependent. Rather than focusing only on the crimes committed and the punishments they receive, DUI Courts attempt to solve some of their underlying problems that may have contributed to the poor choices that lead to criminal behavior. If you decide to enter this program, this opportunity will provide the support and supervision critical to help you achieve your goals. Instead of jail or prison, you will enter a supervised, structured, treatment-based program designed to hold you accountable and help you achieve sobriety.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Kootenai County DUI Court is to combine accountability, deterrence and treatment in a successful program to break the cycle of substance abuse and the criminal activity that it facilitates. This mission is accomplished by diverting repeat DUI offenders from confinement into a highly structured and cost-effective non-adversarial program that combines treatment, education, and intensive supervision.
Eligibility Criteria and Program Rules
Participant Agreement
Accessing the Drug Court Program
Referral into the Drug Court program is made by a defense attorney, the prosecutor, or the judge The referral form can be accessed here Accessing the Drug Court Program Accessing the Drug Court Program and needs to be filled out completely and emailed to txcourtreferrals@kootenai.idcourts.gov. This is the first step in the application process.
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