What is the DUI Court in Rutherford and Cannon County, TN?
What is the DUI Court in Rutherford and Cannon County, TN?Driving Under the Influence or Driving While Intoxicated (DUI or DWI) Courts were created to try to change the behavior of repeat DUI/DWI offenders. The goal in changing the offender’s behavior is to lower the rate of re-arrest or recidivism. The DUI/DWI Courts use the Drug Court model, which employs accountability and long-term treatment.
You could be eligible for DUI/DWI Court if you violated the law due to your alcohol dependency or addiction. This program includes a cooperative approach to change your dependency behavior by utilizing the criminal system, including a judge, prosecutor, defense attorney, officers, probation, case managers, and substance abuse treatment providers.
Eligibility Criteria for the DUI Court Program
The initial screening criteria includes the following:
- Must be a non-violent offender – No Motor Vehicle Assault or Motor Vehicle Homicide
- Must have a primary diagnosis of alcohol
- Must be a resident of Rutherford or Cannon
- Must be 2ndor 3rd DUI Offense or a 4th
- Offender must voluntarily agree to participate
- Must be potential agreement among sentencing judge, District Attorney’s office and Counsel for the accused that DUI Court would be an appropriate option
- Cannot have a hold or pending criminal charge from another jurisdiction
- Cannot be acutely mentally ill or suicidal
The adult program has phases to complete.
Therapy and Group Information
The treatment component of the DUI program focuses on alcohol and drug education and addressing issues that could interfere with the recovery process. During Phase I participants attend Early Recovery Group (focused on understanding addictive disease and identifying personal triggers for use), Relapse Prevention Group (developing coping and relapse prevention skills) and Steps Group (personalizing spirituality and the recovery process). Phase II includes Relapse Prevention and MRT (Moral Reconation Therapy) which is designed to elevate the participant’s moral reasoning and promote positive behavioral growth. In Phase III participants attend the Emotions Group which focuses on understanding the eight core emotions and learning to express those emotions in healthier ways. Throughout the program, participants are required to attend recovery support meetings such as AA, NA, Celebrate Recovery, etc. in order to develop a strong support system for on-going sobriety. Family members are encouraged to participate in group and/or individual sessions. The primary goals of the DUI Court Program are to help restore the participant to a healthy, more productive life and to protect the community by reducing the potential for impaired driving.
Attorney Frank Lannom (615) 444-3995