Howell County Drug Court celebrates 28th graduate

On August 16, the Howell County Adult Drug Court held a ceremony to celebrate its twenty-eighth graduate from the program in just ten years. This was the third graduate for 2022.  

The Howell County Drug Court is designed to reduce recidivism and incarceration. Drug courts are an alternative to incarceration and the traditional criminal court system, intended to lead people with substance use and mental health disorders out of the justice system and into lives of recovery and stability through a combination of court supervision, group meetings, drug testing, counseling, structure, and accountability.

The drug court team aims to work from a place of balanced compassion, kindness, and accountability. The team and peers get to see people reunified with their children; gain meaningful employment; and become proactive members of society. Some people believe, when offered the opportunity of drug court, that there are too many requirements and that drug court is punishment because of the high level of supervision, as well as the frequent court appearances and daily tasks. They often admit it would be easier to accept probation or the terms of the criminal court, but that drug court allowed them to make changes that will last a lifetime.  

The Howell County Adult Drug Court was introduced to Howell County in 2012. In 2018, 37th Judicial Circuit Presiding Judge Steve Privette expanded the drug court to the entire circuit, which includes Carter, Shannon, and Oregon counties. The Howell County Adult Drug Court team consists of Associate Circuit Judge David Ray, Prosecuting Attorney Michael Hutchings, Defense Counsel Ray Williams, Probation Officer Jessica Brown, Treatment Program Director Dr. Ken Tombley, Case Manager Jordan Land, Tracker Shawn Brunson, Court Clerk Allyson Bice, and Treatment Court Coordinator Lois Ann Price.

If you are interested in supporting the efforts of your local drug court program, please call 417-256-2432 to find out how you can help.