Drug Court
The Pinal County Drug Court is a therapeutic problem-solving court that takes a medical model approach using a collaborative model in which the judiciary, prosecution, defense bar, probation, law enforcement, mental health, social service, and treatment communities work together to help addicted participants into long-term recovery. In Pinal County, Drug Courts are currently operate under the Best Practice Standards as defined by the National Association of Drug Court Professionals. The Drug Court differs from the traditional court models in that the proceedings are non-adversarial and participants are reviewed individually by the Drug Court Team and behavioral responses are allocated based on the individuals need. Pinal County currently operates Drug Court Programs in Casa Grande and Apache Junction. Through innovation, teamwork, and strong judicial leadership, the Drug Court strives to improve the communities in Pinal County by helping participants become clean and sober, which results in less drug-related crime.
Mental Health Court
The mission of the Mental Health Treatment Court (MHTC) of the Superior Court in Pinal County is to enhance public safety, reduce recidivism and facilitate long term stability of justice involved individuals with mental illnesses by providing effective supervision and treatment services. The mission is best accomplished through collaboration between the Mental Health Treatment Court Team, stakeholders, and the participant.
The MHTC team consists of the Mental Health Court Judge, the County Attorney’s office, the Public Defender’s office, the treatment provider team, RBHA plan representatives, and adult probation. This collaborative effort promotes a positive environment for the participants to make positive changes throughout their probation term. Bi-weekly review hearings are a positive environment in which defendants are praised or sanctioned by the Court, depending on their behaviors. Participants support each other, and are supported by their treatment teams and the MHTC team.
Domestic Violence
The Pinal County Domestic Violence Court was established in 2003 with the purpose of centering on the principles of victim safety as well as defendant accountability and rehabilitation. This means the Domestic Violence Court must uphold the basic principles of protecting defendants’ rights, providing a fair and impartial hearing as well as provide opportunities for rehabilitation and deterrence of repeat offenses. The Domestic Violence Court also focuses on providing avenues for the safety of the victim and their children. Our hope is to be able to provide these participants an opportunity to make positive behavioral changes, leading to a safer community.
Specialty Courts
Specialized courts differ from traditional courts in that they focus on one type of offense or probationer. Specialty Courts are problem-solving court strategies designed to address the root causes of criminal activity by coordinating efforts of the judiciary, prosecution, defense bar, probation, law enforcement, treatment, mental health services, and social service agencies. Together, they maintain a critical balance of authority, supervision, support, and encouragement. Specialty Court programs are rigorous, requiring frequent drug testing and court appearances, along with tightly structured regimens of treatment and recovery services.
In Pinal County, specialized courts include Adult Drug Courts, Mental Health Court, Veterans Court, and Domestic Violence Court.