Defendants who wish to participate in the program are required to plead guilty in court and will be sentenced. The judge will suspend or transfer the sentence to the 18 month program. Failure to complete Drug Court will result in completion of the sentence within the S.C. Department of Corrections. Successful completion of Drug Court results in the sentence being satisfied.

The 18 month program consists of a year of weekly outpatient counseling sessions, and 18 months of case management, random drug screens, and regular court sessions to monitor progress. The cost of the program is $35 per week for the 18 month period. A non-refundable application fee of $150 is due upon application. Failure to comply with the requirements of the program could result in longer or more intense treatment, community service work, or jail time. Consistent non-compliance results in unsuccessful termination from the program. All participants must maintain full employment throughout the duration of the program.

Drug Court is an opportunity for those persons whose drug addiction has led to criminal behavior to change their lives.

Drug Court Testimonial

Matthew Scott: "I learned so much… there is so much support there."