Overview of Programs
General Information
The Judicial Council of California describes Collaborative (Justice) Courts as problem-solving courts that promote accountability by combining judicial supervision with rigorously monitored rehabilitation and treatment services in lieu of detention. Collaborative courts are geared towards improving justice system outcomes by focusing on underlying problems such as mental health issues or substance use disorders. Collaborative justice principles include a multidisciplinary team approach with involvement from the court, attorneys, law enforcement, probation, and service agencies to address offenders' complex social and behavioral problems. Each court operates slightly differently with varying eligibility criteria, requirements, length, sanctions and incentives, services, and graduation criteria.
Programs and Referrals
Adult Recovery Court
Recovery Court is for defendants charged with non-violent drug possession, violations of probation, and certain drug-related and property crimes.
This is a 12 to 18 months program that involves residential and outpatient services including:
- detoxification
- substance misuse
- mental health treatment
- relapse prevention
- reentry services
- drug testing
- case management
- housing
- therapeutic (yoga, nutrition, mind-body) services
- probation supervision
You will be required to sign a contract with the court detailing the requirements (pending verification of document) of the treatment plan. The Recovery Court Program is located at the Sacramento County Probation Department Adult Court Division – Recovery Court located at 8745 Folsom Boulevard, Sacramento, CA 95827.
Upon proof of successful completion, the suspended jail time is lifted and probation may be terminated, or the case may be dismissed. Failure to complete the program may result in the court imposing the sentence previously agreed upon.
Drug Diversion - PC 1000
Drug Diversion may be offered to defendants charged with a first time drug offense and simple possession.
The program is an 18 to 36 months program that includes:
- 40 hours of drug education and group courses
- monthly meetings
- support group work
- drug testing for 6 months
Upon proof of successful completion, Probation files a motion requesting the court to dismiss the charges. Failure to complete the program may result in the court imposing the sentence previously agreed upon.
Mental Health Treatment
Mental Health Treatment is offered to non-violent defendants diagnosed with specified mental health disorders or co-occurring mental and substance use disorders. DUI, sex, domestic violence or arson offenses do not qualify for this treatment. The District Attorney's Office approves participation in the program.
Mental Health Treatment is a 12 to 18 months program that requires residential and outpatient services including:
- case management
- benefits acquisition
- crisis response
- intervention and stabilization
- medication evaluation and support
- ongoing specialized mental health services
- random drug/alcohol testing
It also includes Full Service Partnership support such as:
- housing
- employment
- education
- transportation
Upon completion of the program, suspended jail time is lifted, probation may be terminated, and the case may be dismissed. Failure to complete the program may result in the court imposing the sentence previously agreed upon.
Prop 36
Prop 36 may be extended to defendants charged with non-violent drug possession and transportation for personal use.
The program is 6 months and consists of 12 weeks of intensive outpatient service followed by 12 weeks of aftercare. Prop 36 is monitored by the Sacramento Probation Department for drug/alcohol/mental health screening and treatment referral. Five "fee for service" multi-disciplinary sites are available for detoxification, residential, outpatient, methadone, sober living, vocation, family counseling, literacy, and communication skills services.
Upon proof of successful completion, the plea is withdrawn and the case is dismissed, terminating probation. Failure to complete the program may result in the court imposing the sentence previously agreed upon.
DUI Treatment Court (DUITC)
Individuals charged with driving under the influence of a drug or alcohol and have three prior DUI misdemeanor convictions within a 10 year period may qualify for the DUI Treatment program.
This is an 18 months program involving residential and outpatient services including:
- detoxification
- substance misuse
- relapse prevention
- drug testing
- case management services
- probation supervision
Upon proof of successful completion, suspended jail time is lifted and probation may be terminated early. Failure to complete the program may result in the court imposing the sentence previously agreed upon.
Re-Entry Program
Defendants charged with non-violent drug and property offenses and are eligible for County Jail Prison (CJP) or State Prison may qualify for the Re-Entry Program.
Re-Entry is a 12 to 18 month program and services may begin in custody. Upon release, services include:
- housing
- education
- vocation/employment
- individual and group counseling
- gender specific curriculum
- skills
- relapse prevention
- effective communication
- anger management
- healthy relationship education
- health and nutrition education
- self-help meetings
- therapy
- recovery activities and groups
- connection to county medical
- general and CalFresh services
Upon successful completion, the term of probation is reduced and CJP time is vacated or permanently suspended.
Veteran's Treatment
Veterans who are eligible for VA benefits and charged with offenses related to issues from US Military service may qualify for the Veteran’s Treatment Program. Sex, arson, or gang offenses are not eligible for this program.
The program may be any combination of 12 to 18 months of residential and/or outpatient treatment including:
- case management
- Veteran mentoring
- VA substance abuse
- mental health services
- random drug and alcohol testing by the VA and Probation
Upon successful completion of the program, the term of probation could be reduced or terminated, jail time suspended, or the case may be dismissed.
Information regarding Veterans and Military Families can be found on the Judicial Council of California website - external link.
ReSET Court (Reducing Sexual Exploitation and Trafficking)
Adult females charged with prostitution or prostitution related offenses (including additional misdemeanor offenses) may be eligible for the ReSET program.
The 3 to 6 months prostitution diversion program services include:
- health and wellness education
- HIV testing
- group and individual counseling
- trauma based therapy
- wraparound
- life skills and peer mentoring services
Upon completion, the initial plea is withdrawn and the case is dismissed.
Chronic Nuisance Offender (CNO) Program
The CNO Program applies to misdemeanor offenders with at least 10 arrests, citations, and/or bench warrants within 12 months.
A 90 day residential placement is offered in lieu of jail time, which is stayed pending successful completion of program services. Substance abuse and mental health assessment and treatment services are provided by County and community-based providers. Homeless and related social, health and fiscal services are also available.
Upon completion, sentence is modified per the terms of the original plea agreement.
City Alcohol Related Treatment (CART)
Individuals with 5 alcohol-related City Code citations and/or arrests in the past 18 months, need housing, and are in-custody for a violation of probation may qualify for the CART program.
Participation requires 30 days of residential alcohol treatment services at Volunteers of America (VOA) in lieu of a 30 day jail sentence.
Upon completion, the 30 day jail sentence is permanently stayed.
Serial Inebriate Program (SIP)
Individuals found to be publicly intoxicated and have 15 or more alcohol related county, city or service contacts (arrest/ citation/detox/fire/hospital) within the prior 12 months are eligible for this program.
Participants are transported from the jail to Volunteers of America (VOA) and are placed in a 90 day comprehensive alcohol treatment program. Services available include:
- Narcotics Anonymous
- Alcoholics Anonymous
- life skills
- post-placement housing
- employment training
- other services
Upon completion of treatment, outstanding warrants are cleared and offenses are dismissed in the interests of justice, except if victim restitution is owed or there are DMV issues that cannot be waived.
Loaves and Fishes Court (for Homeless)
Homeless, low level traffic and misdemeanor offenders (trespassing, drinking in public, etc.) who cannot afford to pay court fines and fees are eligible for this program.
The 3 to 6 month program involves on-site consultation at Loaves and Fishes homeless shelter and a monthly court appearance for assessing fees as part of an offense resolution. Options such as community service, credit for time in clean and sober living facilities and/or mental health treatment may be considered in lieu of fees.
Completion of the community service hours does not result in the dismissal of the case, and the participant may have other sentence requirements to fulfill before the case is closed.