Don’T Let Drug Court Slip Away

Wed., Oct. 27, 1999

Shannon Miller Special To Opinion

Approximately two years ago, my son, Shon, was arrested for possession of drugs and was charged with a felony.

I was so frightened, visualizing what this first-time drug offense at age 19 was going to do to his life. At the same time, I knew Shon had to take full responsibility for his actions at a point in his life when he was making a lot of poor decisions.

It was devastating to visit him in jail. And when I saw him walk into court in handcuffs, it was almost more than I could handle.

After reviewing Shon’s case, Judge James Murphy mentioned a drug rehabilitation program he would offer only once to Shon. I was relieved when I heard Shon say he wanted to know more.

The judge explained that if Shon completed the program successfully, the charge would be dropped. If not, he would go to jail and have a felony on his record.

At first, I think my son was willing to be a part of the rehab program only to avoid the felony charge. He still had a chip on his shoulder.

However, through the people who assist with the program, Shon started to care again. His self-esteem began to return and he realized this was a way to become drug-free and make something of himself, not just a way to clear his name.

I couldn’t believe the determination and positive challenges this program began to instill in Shon - not only to help himself but also to support others. Each month he was “clean” he received a certain color coin. These coins became so important to Shon and others in the program because they earned them through their individual effort.

Something else that added significantly to the success of this program was the consistent firmness and encouragement that Judge Murphy and others showed.

As I understand it, the drug court program operates on federal funds that will run out the middle of next year. The program likely will end unless city or county funds are provided. What a loss! Thanks to this program, my son has been drug-free for two years. He has held the same full-time job he started soon after beginning this program. His attitude has completely changed and, therefore, so much in his life has changed for the better. He now has his GED certificate framed for everyone to see. Now, when Shon has a bad day, as we all do, he deals with it drug-free and responsibly. He has become a responsible, contributing and tax-paying member of our community.

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