Saipan, CNMI – On Thursday, September 12, 2024, the Supreme Court approved updates to the Drug Court’s Policies and Procedures (“P&P”). The P&P guides Drug Court staff in their efforts to navigate participants through substance use disorder treatment. First issued on December 15, 2016, the P&P was amended in May 2017, April 2020, and February 2023. Drug Court periodically updates its P&P to reflect national Best Practice Standards, considerations of current practice, and the unique geography of the Commonwealth as the Drug Court Program continues to evolve.
“The Supreme Court’s approval of these updates reflects our ongoing commitment to ensuring that Drug Court operates with the highest standards of fairness, accountability, and support for those facing substance use disorder. By refining these policies, we are strengthening the court’s ability to adapt to the unique needs of our community and its participants, while holding true to the principles of justice and rehabilitation,” said Chief Justice Alexandro C. Castro.
This newest amendment, effective September 12, 2024, resulted from a collaboration between key Drug Court stakeholders. Meetings to amend the P&P included Drug Court Judge Teresa Kim-Tenorio, Drug Court staff, Office of the Attorney General, Office of the Public Defender, Department of Corrections, Department of Public Safety, and Community Guidance Center. The Drug Court team incorporated improvements in language, consistency, reflection of current practice, and compliance with national Best Practice Standards. Major amendments include:
1 Added ability for potential participants to waive the presence of their attorney during initial intake and screening;
2. Increase to the criminal restitution limit for Drug Court eligibility from $3,000 to $5,000 and removal of the exception for restitution owed to insurance companies, businesses, or other corporate entities;
3. An added provision that holds participants liable to pay for the costs of contesting a positive drug test if they later admit to the use for which the test was contested;
4. Added ability for the Office of the Attorney General to move Drug Court to initiate termination proceedings; and
5. Allowing participants facing a termination hearing to choose between Drug Court appointed defense counsel and their original criminal defense counsel.
These changes refine Drug Court’s intake procedures and allow participants more flexibility in their choice of legal representation. They will aid the Drug Court Program in its mission to improve the lives of individuals struggling with substance use disorders. Drug Court is a multidisciplinary collaboration using evidence-based and culturally sensitive treatment services to promote sobriety and community wellness in the Commonwealth. Updating the P&P allows Drug Court to accomplish this mission in the face of an ever-changing substance abuse treatment landscape.
2024-PR-0012
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SEPTEMBER 13, 2024
This press release has been prepared by court staff for the convenience of the public. For further information, contact the Supreme Court at Supreme.Court@NMIJudiciary.gov.
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