Drug Court Program - 318-388-4448

The Fourth Judicial District Drug court was established in 1998 to assist drug addicted criminals in their rehabilitation from their drug use. For first time offenders, this program not only offers drug rehabilitation but also the opportunity to obtain a Louisiana code of Criminal Procedure Article 893 know as a dismissal or acquittal of the criminal charges.

In order to qualify for a referral for the Drug court Program in this District, a person must, as a minimum, (1) be arrested for a felony, (2) must not have been convicted nor arrested currently for a crime of violence as defined in the Louisiana Criminal Code, (3) must not have been convicted for simple burglary of an inhabited dwelling, and (4) must be addicted to drugs. Once an individual meets this minimal criteria, he or she can be referred to the drug court office for an evaluation and orientation. If that individual is found to have an addiction and if that person meets other criteria and procedural guideline for drug court, he or she will be referred to plea into the program. Upon plea, that person may or may not be sentenced (depending on their offender classification) and will be granted probation. Further, that person will be expected to maintain a rigorous program, including but not limited to, treatment meetings, weekly court appearances, AA meetings, random drug testing, payment of fees and obtaining a GED (if the defendant does not have a high school diploma) and to maintain a job. Any violation of the program will result in penalties such as jail time, community service, payment of sanction fees and, possibly, expulsion from the program and revocation of probation.

This program offers the opportunity for defendants with pending felonies to live a drug free life and to become a productive citizen of the community.

For information on this program, pleas contact the District Attorney's Office and ask for the Assistant District Attorney assigned to the Drug Court Program and/or contact your defense attorney.