Drug Court Graduation

Addiction is causing crisis in our communities. The burden on Court system in the escalating number of cases filed is reflective of the level to which the crisis has arisen. Statistics show that in excess of 75-85% of the crimes committed in Baldwin County have some relationship to drugs and/or alcohol.

Attendant to those numbers are increasing numbers of domestic relation, juvenile, and bankruptcy cases which arise secondary to addiction. The resulting burdens are tremendous emotionally and fiscally. The community must be aware and react to this crisis. The goal is for participants to live their life within our community without the need for repeated interdiction or confinement via the court system.

The purpose of the Drug Court program is to promote justice and uniformity of judicial proceedings and decisions within Baldwin County as well as provide cohesive educational and rehabilitative efforts to meet the needs of those with drug and alcohol addiction to reduce future criminal conduct and return people to normal, productive lives within our community.  Defendants have been arrested for a crime; but they are also mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, sisters, brothers, employees, employers, students, housewives, and caregivers.  Arrest for a drug related Class C felony is what brings a defendant before the Court for review as to whether they are eligible for the program. It takes a minimum of 2 years to complete the program.
                 
On October 18, 2012, the Baldwin County Drug Court Foundation will celebrate recovery and recognize the successes of the program at the Church on the Eastern Shore. The keynote speaker will be David Parnell from “Facing the Dragon”. David Parnell former meth dealer, recovering addict, husband, father of seven and suicide attempt survivor from Tennessee now devotes his life traveling to high schools and communities warning about the dangers of methamphetamine.

David began using drugs with his father at the early age of 13. He has been on T.V., radio, newspapers and magazines in the United States and abroad. He also has worked with the Partnership for a Drug Free America’s national advertising campaign. His message is captivating and his presentations are graphic. His face still holds the scars of his past drug abuse. Students and adults alike are drawn to his story and will long remember it. For a preview: www.facingthedragon.org .

Tickets are $15 each and are available at the Church on the Eastern Shore. For more information or bulk ticket purchases for groups, please contact Raina Macks at (251) 580-1666, auburnt@hotmail.com .

Church on the Eastern Shore
10274 State Highway 104
Fairhope, Alabama 36532-4308