Botetourt’s Drug Court Application goes before State Drug Court Committee in April

At the February, regular Board of Supervisors meeting, Commonwealth’s Attorney John Alexander spoke to the Board members about Drug Court. His office is in process of setting up the court for Botetourt County. He was there a year ago to announce the beginning of the process.

With Covid-19 and other delays, the Botetourt Drug Court had a year to prepare the application. It is ready to present to the State Drug Court Committee which meets in April. “ They will make a decision on the application,” said Alexander.

What is drug court? Alexander described it like this, “As a prosecutor for 24 years in Roanoke and Botetourt, it has always been public safety that is the main point. By starting a drug court, rather than place every one in jail, we would enhance public safety with treatment.”

Treatment would be for non-violent offenders who would go to court at least once per week or every two weeks. The drug court program is operating in over 39 other localities and counties in the state.

Thus far a local advisory board has been started. With much help from Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare, Alexander has been able to prepare for the next step which is submitting the application. He spoke to the Supervisors to let them know that they hope to fund the program with grants, but may need some start-up funding.

Alexander said previously, “The programs have saved the state 10.9 million dollars.” He also noted that drug incarcerations ruin families and can result in many other agencies from the community and governemental entities to get involved. ” By rehabilitating the convicted, we can add to public safety enhancement with working them. Getting them back into the community where they can contribute to their family as well as others is a goal.”

–Cathy Benson photo and story

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alexander said previously, “The programs have saved the state 10.9
million dollars.” He also noted that drug incarcerations ruin families and
can result in many other agencies from the community and governemental entities
to get involved. ” By rehabilitating the convicted, we can add to public
safety enhancement with working them. Getting them back into the community
where they can contribute to their family as well as others is a goal.”

–Cathy Benson photo and story