The state of Colorado recognizes that, in many cases, criminal acts occur because of drug addiction. Colorado’s drug and recovery courts exist to help drug-related criminal offenders develop the skills and coping methods they need to get sober and avoid reoffending while still holding them accountable for their actions.

Not everyone is eligible or appropriate for recovery court in El Paso County, but if you are, in fact, eligible, enrolling in one just may give you the help you need while simultaneously keeping you out of jail. How may you tell if you are eligible for participating in recovery court in El Paso County?

Eligibility requirements

To enroll in a county recovery court, you must be able to admit that you do, in fact, have a substance abuse problem. Additionally, the criminal charges authorities made against you must be directly related to your substance abuse problem. Furthermore, you need to live within the 4th Judicial District to potentially enroll in an El Paso County recovery court. Also, you must be either eligible for probation or facing probation revocation.

Gaining entry

If you and your situation meet the criteria outlined above, you may be able to gain entry into an El Paso County recovery court. Often, judges, probation officers and attorneys are the ones to refer drug offenders to county recovery courts. Defendants currently in custody in the county justice center may obtain information about recovery courts at the onsite kiosk. Before you can start participating in a recovery court, you are going to need to undergo screening and orientation, with the screening process typically taking between about one and two months.

Enrolling in a recovery court may help you avoid time in jail or prison. It may also give you the guidance and accountability that you need to overcome the hurdles that have been preventing you from reaching your full potential.