D.C. Drug Courts vs. Initiative 62 October 23, 2002
News Summary
Critics say an initiative on the Nov. 5 ballot in Washington, D.C., could jeopardize the continuation of the current D.C. drug-court program, the Washington Post reported Oct. 21.Currently, nonviolent drug offenders are placed in the drug-court program. Those who miss a treatment session or relapse could face prison time.
Initiative 62 would apply to people caught possessing Schedule II drugs, such as morphine, PCP, cocaine, methadone, and methamphetamine. Under Initiative 62, nonviolent drug offenders would have the option to choose treatment instead of jail.
If treatment is chosen, they would remain with the program even if they relapse. Only those who commit crimes or become a danger to others would face jail time. Those who successfully complete the treatment program would have their charges dropped.
"It's simple in that it makes sense. It's better than the status quo," said Opio L. Sokoni, campaign coordinator for Initiative 62. "Whatever solutions are happening now in D.C. aren't working. We have 60,000 people in D.C. that need treatment, but only 10,000 are getting it. We're talking about keeping people out of jail."
If the measure passes, D.C. Superior Court Judge Melvin R. Wright said the drug court could be in jeopardy since most people convicted of narcotics offenses would choose treatment over the threat of jail.
U.S. Attorney Roscoe C. Howard Jr. said he is concerned that Initiative 62 "risks a lower rate of recovery and a higher rate of recidivism at a greater cost to the District."
Other proponents of the drug court said the prospect of jail is an important and proven component of the drug court.
"The whole point is to hold them responsible," Wright said. "The initiative doesn't have anything about sanctions at all. The judge's role in this initiative is very limited. Whereas now, the judge's role is very active."
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