Problem Solving Courts

Muskegon County Sobriety Court Program

What is Sobriety Court?

Sobriety Court is a special, misdemeanor therapeutic court given the responsibility to handle cases involving alcohol-related or substance-abuse offenders through an extensive supervision and treatment program. This is a voluntary program. Participants are identified through a legal and substance abuse screening. The participants are referred by judges of the court, probation officers, law enforcement and attorneys. The program is an 18-month commitment consisting of four phases.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Muskegon Sobriety Court (MSC) is to provide a coordinated family-centered approach to substance abuse services by integrating the judicial system with community resources to improve public safety while reducing the cost of repeat offenders and increasing accountability of those involved in criminal activity.

Promise

Through this holistic approach, MSC promises to work collaboratively with the entire family and community to overcome barriers in a timely and accountable manner in providing individualized alternatives to continued criminal actions among offenders.

Values

• MSC values integrity
• MSC values dignity
• MSC values empowerment of the entire family
• MSC values safe, drug-free communities
• Target Population
• Those individuals who plead guilty to an offense/petition related to alcohol or drug abuse (primarily OWI/OUIL 2nd/OWI 3rd)
• Those determined to be alcohol or drug dependent or abusing alcohol or drugs by the ADE Screening tool
• Those 18 years or older
• Muskegon County residents
• Volunteer participants
• Non-Violent Offenders

Helpful Resources

For more information about the Muskegon Sobriety Court program, contact the District Court Office at 231-724-6294.

Muskegon County Veterans Treatment Court Program

What is Veterans Court?

• A program for veterans that have pending criminal charges in Muskegon County. 
• Assistance to maintain an alcohol/drug free lifestyle. 
• A team approach for supervision. 
• Regular court appearances. 
• A combination of incentives and sanctions to change behavior. 
• Substance abuse treatment. 
• An opportunity to make positive lifestyle changes. 

What are the disqualification criteria Sobriety Court?

• Defendant must be a Muskegon County resident.
• Defendant must be a non-violent offender
• Defendant must not be on probation to any other court or have subsequent pending charges
• Defendant must not be prescribed narcotic medication.

What are the eligibility criteria Sobriety Court?

• Defendant must be 18 years or older and a legal resident of the United States.
• Resident of Muskegon County
• Charges must originate in Muskegon County
• Charges include OWI 2^nd or OWI 3^rd offense
• Defendant must reside in an alcohol and drug free home.

Why participate in Sobriety Court?

• Possible No jail or reduced jail.
• Extended time to pay court fines/costs.
• Treatment for your substance abuse problem.
• Continuous support to help in your alcohol/drug free lifestyle.
• Possible restricted license for OWI offenses. 

How to participate in STP?

The potential participant must contact the sobriety court office and be screened for program qualifications. 

How will I be notified of acceptance or denial into the program?

The probation department will send a notice of approval to the defense attorney or defendant. The Court will also be notified to schedule a sentence date on the next possible opening.

Review Sessions

Participants are required to appear in court on a regular basis (minimum twice per month). The number of times depends on the phase the participant is in.