500th Graduate Of Drug Court Program Marks Milestone For DuPage County

DUPAGE COUNTY — DuPage County recently marked a milestone, with the 500th graduate from the Drug Courts program. In total, 506 people have graduated from DuPage County Drug Court.

The program got its start in 2002 to give nonviolent offenders an alternative to serving time in prison. Applicants who are accepted to the Drug Courts program plead guilty before singing a contract that outlines how they must complete the program requirements.

Approved participants have their prison sentences deferred during the program and, per their contract, will either receive a reduced charge or get their charges dismissed once they graduate the program.

“More than five hundred people’s lives have been positively changed by their participation in our Drug Court Program,” Chief Judge Bonnie Wheaton said in a statement.

Wheaton added, “Initially facing a possible felony conviction, our graduates have reconciled their past and taken control of their futures, becoming productive, taxpaying citizens. Additionally, the success of our graduates is also enjoyed by their family, friends and loved ones as they reconnect with the person they knew before their addiction took control.”

The Drug Court program includes weekly drug testing, status hearings and substance abuse treatment.

Of the program's 500 graduates, DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin said, "Their success serves as a beacon of hope to others that redemption is possible and that they too can reclaim their lives from the demons of their past. We are all extremely proud of all of our graduates and wish them nothing but success as they rebuild healthier, stronger lives."