COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The Branch County Prosecutor’s Office has announced they have started to accept participants in a newly created Sobriety Program for first time drug offenders.
The Prosecutors Office stated in a press release they have been working with local organizations to create the program that focuses on rehabilitation, instead of incarceration.
Those who are eligible take part in substance use disorder treatment directed by their treatment team.
To be eligible for the program, the Participant must have a substance use disorder and be willing to participant in the program.
They must not have a violent criminal history, must not have committed a theft crime in conjunction with the present offense, nor can the present offense include any kind of distribution or delivery of a controlled substance, amongst numerous other criteria.
In most cases, the participant is required to participate in treatment for one year, obtain employment and their high school diploma, if necessary, and complete random drug testing.
If successful, the Participant will not be prosecuted for the offense which brought them before the court.
Chief Assistant Prosecutor Zachary Stempien has developed the program.
