Deseret News | Reader comments: Cuts made to successful Utah County 'drug court' program

Reader comments
Cuts made to successful Utah County 'drug court' program

Legal Scholar | 8:35 a.m. July 7, 2008

Drug courts are inherently unfair. For example, if I am arrested for taking meth, speed, heroine and crack, I can get my criminal record cleaned and avoid jail time if I graduate from the program.

However, if I am your average guy who pays his taxes, but gets arrested for drunk driving, there is no comparable "drug court" for me. I am going to be dragged through the system and will have a criminal record.

This is completely unfair and I applaud the State of Utah for cutting funding on this unfair program.

Concerned | 8:39 a.m. July 7, 2008

It amazes me that we are not spending our money more wisely. If we would spend more on treating these people, we wouldn't have to spend so much on keeping them in jail. Its to bad that when there are hard times it is the social services that see the first cuts in budgets.

Shauna | 9:18 a.m. July 7, 2008

Kudos to Concerned and to the Drug Court Program. My daughter graduated over five years ago from this program. It saved more lives than just hers. She is employed, raising a daughter, living on her own and IS HAPPY. Thank you Rosie and Judge Taylor. It is very hard work; takes huge discipline and committment and money. I would put my money towards this kind of treatment anytime. I hope you all can continue with this great program.

Comments continue below

DUI Courts | 9:47 a.m. July 7, 2008

. . . exist for DUI offenders and are structured like drug courts. First offenders used to be able to have the charges dismissed, but not anymore. Maybe they will again in the future, but for now, Legal Scholar is right.

Another problem is they are only available in a few places (Davis Co. and Taylorsville among them, maybe more . . .). We need to make sure they are available everywhere in the state to offer the same treatment opportunity equally.

Tigerwoods | 12:15 p.m. July 7, 2008

This is one of the best programs that saved my son. We tried rehab,methadone, one on one counseling. Nothing worked. Until my son got caught I didn't think I would see his next birthday. One year has passed and because of this program he has done a 360. Why would anyone bash a program that works and saves money also. Legal Scholar...everybody has a crutch, including you. Maybe next time you ought not to drink and drive.

R. Diaz | 12:48 p.m. July 7, 2008

If prevention for both groups would be more cost-effective for society than not funding both groups--speaking in financial terms only and leaving out the other benefits, like saved marriages, children with clean parents, people able to keep a steady job; and other benfits like grateful family members, mnore love and trust, etc.-- wouldn't it be money well spent to increase funding from the legislature to cover both groups and spend a little less on other programs like road construction/repairs, and have tehm both covered. Why does it have to be a decision between which group t help os best, if helping them both will financialy be cost-effective to the state?

Speakout | 2:34 p.m. July 7, 2008

Drug Court, whether in Utah County, Salt Lake County, Davis County or where ever is definitely cost effective. It is a proven fact. The Legislators need to do a little homework. Prevention costs less than reacting after crimes are committed. Contact your Legislator and let them know how you feel!!!!

Chris Plummer | 4:04 p.m. July 7, 2008

Too bad they are making cuts on a program that seems to work. Government efficiently at its best.

Elaine S. | 7:31 a.m. July 11, 2008

As with alcoholics, a drug addict must fight his addiction his/her whole life. Many, many of them are successful and deserve our greatest respect for the battle they fight each day.
Why do we have to wait until front-end users become addicts before we give them the structure of Drug Court? There may be less of a benenfit financially to the County for early intervention Drug Court, but it is a huge benefit to the community. Why can't we look outside the box and explore more options for funding rather than drop a program that is so desperately needed.

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