Oct. 9, 2024, COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – On Thursday, October 10, 2024, 12 participants will be recognized for completing the 4th Judicial District Recovery “Drug” Court, an El Paso and Teller counties program initiated in January 2001 as the second drug problem-solving court in the state of Colorado. The graduation ceremony is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. at the Terry R. Harris Judicial Complex in Colorado Springs, 270 S. Tejon Street, in the Jury Assembly Room W 113. 

This achievement marks a significant milestone for the graduates, who have demonstrated unwavering commitment to their recovery journey. The Recovery “Drug” Court is a rigorous problem-solving treatment court designed for individuals who have encountered the criminal justice system as a result of substance use. Throughout the program, participants have exhibited sustained abstinence from controlled substances and alcohol, actively participated in any required treatment, and fulfilled educational and employment objectives outlined by the Recovery “Drug” Court’s clinical team. They have also undergone frequent performance reviews by the Recovery “Drug” Court Magistrate, the Honorable Gregory K. Duncan. 

El Paso County District Magistrate Gregory K. Duncan, who will preside over the graduation ceremony, expressed his pride and excitement, stating, “We are honored and excited to celebrate the graduation of 12 amazing individuals from the Recovery “Drug” Court program. Over the past two-plus years, these graduates have established and maintained sobriety, becoming law-abiding, self-sufficient, and productive community members. Through their tireless dedication to recovery, they have forever changed the lives of their children, families, and our community.” 

The 4th Judicial District Recovery “Drug” Court was modeled after evidence-based problem-solving drug courts, which have proven effective in handling criminal cases. The program aims to divert nonviolent, substance-abusing felony offenders into a comprehensive, judicially supervised program of treatment, urinalysis monitoring, and case management, including referral and follow-up with employment, educational, and other self-improvement goals. 

Recovery “Drug” Court programs are a vital resource for communities, working alongside individuals struggling with addiction to seek recovery and save lives. The drug court team becomes deeply involved in the lives of each participant, forming solid relationships and providing support, encouragement, and accountability.  

Members of the media are invited to attend the ceremony. The use of cameras must be approved in advance, and all individuals being photographed must give their consent to be photographed. For more information and to request camera approval, please contact the Office of Communications and Public Affairs at (720) 625-5815. 

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