52/2 Sobriety Court

Since November 2004, the 52/2 District Court has operated the Sobriety Court Program, a specialized court program for high-risk drinking and driving offenders.  The program is based on the 10 Key Components of Drug Courts and the 10 Guiding Principles of DWI Courts, national standards for special-population courts.  This program promotes public safety and reduced recidivism by connecting the offender with therapeutic services to treat the underlying substance abuse problem which led to the criminal behavior.  This post-adjudication program includes intense probation supervision, substance abuse treatment, frequent alcohol and drug testing and frequent judicial review.  The program offers a highly structured and intensive setting which promotes ongoing sobriety, personal responsibility and productive citizenship.

Persons eligible for the program must been the following criteria:

1) A. Current drinking (or drugging) and driving offense (such as OWI, OWAI, Child Endanderment, etc) with a prior alcohol or drug conviction

      OR

B. Current conviction of OWI with BAC .17 or Greater or Child Endangerment when a BAC of .15 or higher is present, without a prior alcohol or drug conviction

2) Residency or full time employment within the jurisdiction of the 52/2 District Court.  Exceptions for out-of-jurisdiction residence are made for good cause.

3) No history of serious violent offenses

4) Cannot be on active probation or parole for a felony offense

5) No outstanding matters with ICE or illegal alien status

The program is based on an 18-month model, but varies between 15 and 24 months, based upon performance.  The program follows three phases, with the first phase the most intense:

                Phase 1 – 3 months

                Phase 2 – 6 months

                Phase 3 – 9 months           

The 52/2 District Court is a recognized DWI/Sobriety Court by the State of Michigan, State Court Administrative Office.  As such, participants with offenses acquired on/after January 1, 2011 are eligible to participate in the Interlock Pilot Project, which offers restricted licensing to otherwise suspended individuals. 

Carol Pummill functions as the Sobriety Court Coordinator and Sobriety Court Probation Officer.  Questions regarding this program can be directed to Ms. Pummill at 248-625-5957 extension 253.