Administrative Office of Courts
Ninth Circuit Drug Court graduation is Monday, Dec. 18 The Ninth Circuit Court District Drug Court will celebrate a graduation at 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 18, in the second floor courtroom of the Warren County Courthouse. Rep. George Flaggs Jr. of Vicksburg will be the keynote speaker. Eight graduates will be recognized, with seven participating in the ceremony. Fifty-seven people remain enrolled in the program, said Drug Court Coordinator Maryam Aziz. The Ninth Circuit Court District Drug Court was founded May 17, 2005. The program takes a minimum of a year for completion, and can take up to four years. Drug courts seek to rehabilitate drug-using offenders through drug treatment and intense supervision with drug testing and frequent court appearances. Drug courts offer the incentive of a chance to remain out of jail, and the sanction of a jail sentence if participants fail to remain drug-free and in compliance with all program requirements. Mississippi has 18 active drug courts. The Rankin County Youth Drug Court, which began enrolling participants in late November, is the newest. More than 1,000 people are enrolled in drug courts statewide. About 160 people graduated from the programs between January and the end of October 2006. Several other programs are holding graduations in December. #### |
