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Specialty Courts (usually characterized as either “Drug Courts” or “Problem-Solving Courts”) are specifically-designed court programs aimed at reducing recidivism and increasing public safety by intensive behavioral supervision, judicial monitoring, and treatment of substance abusers. The concept originated in 1989 in Florida. Nevada implemented the first of its 46 Specialty Courts in the early 1990s and has been a pioneer in the field ever since. Nearly one-fourth of the 16,000 courts in the United States are Specialty Courts and they operate both in limited jurisdiction courts and general jurisdiction trial courts. Specialty Courts are the most researched criminal justice program in history. National research shows they reduce crime by as much as 45% more than other methods, producing an average $2.21 direct benefit to the community for every $1 invested. When more high-risk offenders are helped, the return on investment can be $4.13 per $1 invested. (NADCP, 2012).
Nevada’s Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) awards grants to pay for mandated drug and alcohol testing, as well as counseling, electronic monitoring, incentives and other costs of a Specialty Court program. RMC received its first funds ($44,000) in 2009 and continues to apply for the grant annually. The funds come from a $7 per misdemeanor assessment enacted into law by the 2003 Nevada Legislature. In addition to state funds, other sources of revenue include the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) which provides funding to establish or enhance drug court services.
For 2024, RMC is proud to offer five specialty courts in Departments 1, 2, 3, and 4. there is a snapshot of each of our specialty courts.
Fresh Start DUI Program
Started in 2007, it has served to date over 347 individuals. This court is presided over by Judge Gene Drakulich and is designed for persons sentenced for Driving Under the Influence charges or Battery charges where substance use is a contributing factor. Annually, Fresh Start admits approximately 30 offenders. Participants are served through a combination of treatment, electronic monitoring, random drug testing, and compliance supervision by the RMC Marshals Alternative Sentencing Unit (ASU). A direct relationship between the judge and the offenders is central to the program’s success. Fresh Start is considered therapeutic in nature because of its emphasis on substance abuse treatment rather than traditional criminal justice intervention. This program lasts approximately 14 – 24 months
For more information about our DUI specialty court contact: Martha Carrillo, Program Coordinator, 775-334-2296, carrilloma@reno.gov
Co-Occurring Disorders (COD) Court
Started in 2011, it has served to date over 384 individuals. This court is presided over by Judge Justin Champagne and is given the responsibility of supervising drug/alcohol using offenders with a co-occurring mental health disorder placed in an intensive, closely monitored treatment program. COD Court serves offenders whose mental health related disorders led to their criminal behavior, by engaging in appropriate mental health treatment and reducing further contact with the criminal justice system. COD Court utilizes ASU marshal supervision to ensure compliance with drug and legal requirements and admits approximately 20 offenders, annually. The program contracts with local providers to provide behavioral health services; in addition, the program can include residential and transitional housing. This program lasts approximately 12 – 24 months.
For more information about our COD Court contact: Lisa Wagner, Program Coordinator, 775-334-3822 or wagnerl@reno.gov
Young Adult Offender (YAR) Court
Presided over by Judge Justin Champagne, this court serves misdemeanor offenders between the ages of 18-25 who suffer from a substance use or a co-occurring mental health and substance use disorder. Best practices recommend that courts create a separate track for this age group due to their cognitive immaturity and criminogenic needs that are very different from those of older participants. YAR participants engage for 12-18 months with regular meetings with the judge and specialty court staff, including case managers and marshals. The program enables the Court to offer an individualized treatment approach where participants will engage in age-appropriate therapy, in both individual and group settings. Peer support will be offered and attendance at self-meetings will be encouraged. Specialized resources are provided by community-based partners, which allows participants to access programming for academic and vocational skill development as well as experiential learning opportunities. Participants will also receive assistance with transitional housing needs as well as for those requiring a higher level of residential treatment.
For more information about our YAR Court contact: Lisa Wagner, Program Coordinator, 775-334-3822 or wagnerl@reno.gov
Veterans' Treatment Court (CAMO-RNO)
Started in 2018, CAMO-RNO has served over 149 individuals and has graduated 74 participants. This court is presided over by Judge Shelly O’Neill and is designed expressly for veterans and active-duty service members. Annually, CAMO-RNO admits approximately 25 offenders. CAMO-RNO utilizes ASU marshal supervision to ensure compliance with drug and legal requirements and collaborates closely with the local Veterans Administration (VA) program. Clinical treatment is provided by the VA or community treatment providers, and includes weekly individual and group counseling, mental health treatment, and regular attendance at recovery support/self-help meetings. Participants may also work with the VA staff to receive mentoring, vocational training, education and/or job placement service if necessary. The CAMO-RNO program lasts approximately 12 – 18 months. Applicable participants may receive a dismissal of their charges and sealing of their records upon successful completion of the program.
For more information about our CAMO-RNO specialty court contact: Michelle Masi, Program Coordinator, 775-334-2297 or masim@reno.gov.
Community Court (CC)
Started in 2019, Community Court has admitted 682 individuals. Presided over by Judge Christopher Hazlett-Stevens, this court seeks to reduce and properly address quality of life offenses in the downtown area, and city parks, by utilizing a collaborative, problem solving approach to crime. Community Court primarily serves the unhoused population and holds its court sessions at the Downtown Reno Public Library on Center Street. This venue provides a level of comfort to this population, as it is considered a more neutral, less formal setting than a traditional courthouse. Community Court provides immediate service linkage to its participants by collaborating with over 20 service providers who volunteer their services every Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. These services range from substance use disorder, mental health, housing, SNAP and Medicaid verification, veteran services, primary health care, work force development, and legal services, among others.
For more information about our CC specialty court contact: Carissa O’Grady, Specialty Court Coordinator, 775-334-3092 or ogradyc@reno.gov.