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Are you eligible for inclusion in Northern Hills Drug Court?

On Behalf of | May 19, 2021 | Criminal Defense |

A South Dakota drug charge often brings with it serious consequences, and in some cases, you may find yourself facing time behind bars. Depending on circumstances, you may be able to enter the Northern Hills Drug Court, which seeks to help you overcome your dependency by having you follow specific terms.

If you are eligible for the Northern Hills Drug Court program, expect to spend at least 14 months participating in it. However, you may have to take part for longer than that, depending on the severity of your substance dependency, among other circumstances.

Eligibility requirements

To be eligible for inclusion in Northern Hills Drug Court, you must be at least 18 and live within a preapproved area that falls within the borders of the 4th Judicial Circuit. You must be facing a felony charge, and you must undergo a drug evaluation that reveals your dependency or addiction-related diagnosis.

Your assessment must also reveal that you are “high-risk” and “high-need.” Furthermore, you must not be a sex offender or someone facing a drug distribution charge, as either circumstance would make you ineligible. You also must not have any convictions for violent crimes in your history. Finally, the South Dakota State’s Attorney must agree that you meet the eligibility requirements necessary to enroll in drug court.

Program requirements

If you gain entry into Northern Hills Drug Court, you must agree to undergo regular and random drug testing. You also must work toward your recovery and make regular appearances in front of the court while doing so. You also must complete five distinct phases of the program to graduate.