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Drug Court
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Purpose:
The Central Nebraska Drug Court seeks to improve public safety, and reduce substance abuse and crime by providing offenders with appropriate treatment, intensive supervision and comprehensive judicial monitoring.
The Drug Court serves Adams, Buffalo, Hall, and Phelps Counties in Nebraska. It is administered by the District Courts of the Ninth and Tenth Judicial Districts.
What is the Central Nebraska Drug Court?
The Drug Court is a voluntary program created by the District Court that allows eligible defendants to earn a dismissal of charges in exchange for completing substance abuse treatment and other conditions.
Individuals eligible for the Drug Court will earn a dismissal of pending felony charges upon completion of the Drug Court program, a minimum of eighteen months in length.
The County Attorney must approve all requests for the Drug Court.
What are the Drug Court Requirements?
Each person’s requirements and conditions may be different depending on individual circumstances. However, the general requirements for everyone include:
- Complete a comprehensive assessment with the Drug Court staff
- Complete the substance abuse treatment recommended by the Drug Court staff
- Attend regular appearances before the Drug Court Judge
- Submit to regular drug testing
- Pay a weekly program fee to the Drug Court
- Pay part of the costs of treatment, based on ability to pay
- Reside in a participating county while in the program
- Maintain employment, attend school, or complete other conditions as directed by the Court or staff
- Meet with the Drug Court staff
- Pay any court costs due
- Obey all laws
Who is eligible for the Drug Court?
Certain offenses will qualify for Drug Court, some will not. Generally, there must be no more than one prior felony conviction. The County Attorney must approve all applicants.
Also, the participant must acknowledge having a substance abuse problem and agree to complete drug and/or alcohol treatment. Applications for Drug Court must be made within thirty days after arraignment in District Court. The Judge must approve all petitions for admission to the Drug Court.
Who is NOT eligible for the Drug Court?
- If charged with an ineligible offense, such as murder, manslaughter, robbery, felony assault, sexual assault, or assault with a deadly weapon
- Prior felony conviction for a crime of violence
- Prior or current offense involved the use or possession of a firearm or a dangerous weapon
- Prior or current offense resulted in death or serious bodily injury
- Current offense involved the use of force against a person
- Two or more felony convictions
- Multiple prior misdemeanors for crimes against a person, such as assault, domestic violence, resisting arrest, assaulting a law enforcement officer, or flight to avoid arrest
How to apply for the Drug Court
If you meet the eligibility criteria and want to apply for the Drug Court, consult with your attorney immediately.
General questions can be directed to:
Connie Hultine
Drug Court Coordinator
1512 Central Avenue
Kearney, NE 68847
(402) 984-7805
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