San Bernardino County Drug Court Guide

What Is Drug Court?

Drug court is a specialized judicial program that diverts qualifying individuals with substance use disorders from traditional criminal prosecution into supervised treatment. The program recognizes that incarceration alone does not address the underlying addiction driving criminal behavior and that treatment-based approaches produce better outcomes for both the individual and the community.

San Bernardino County's drug court programs are among the many such courts operating throughout California. These programs combine judicial supervision, mandatory treatment, regular drug testing, and incentives for progress to create an accountability structure that supports recovery while reducing recidivism.

Research consistently demonstrates that drug courts are more effective than incarceration at reducing substance use, criminal activity, and recidivism. A comprehensive meta-analysis by the National Association of Drug Court Professionals found that drug court participants are significantly less likely to be rearrested compared to similar individuals who go through the traditional criminal justice system.

Eligibility for San Bernardino County Drug Court

Eligibility for drug court in San Bernardino County generally requires that the individual's criminal charges are related to their substance use disorder and that they do not have a history of violent offenses. Specific eligibility criteria vary by program and are ultimately determined by the district attorney, public defender, and presiding judge.

Candidates are typically referred by their defense attorney, the district attorney, or the judge in their criminal case. A clinical assessment is conducted to confirm the presence of a substance use disorder and to determine the appropriate level of treatment.

San Bernardino County operates several drug court tracks including adult drug court, juvenile drug court, and a veterans treatment court that serves former service members with co-occurring substance use and mental health challenges related to military service.

• Charges must be related to substance use, typically nonviolent drug offenses
• No prior convictions for violent felonies in most programs
• Clinical assessment confirming a diagnosable substance use disorder
• Willingness to participate in treatment and comply with court supervision
• Residency in San Bernardino County or commitment to remain in the jurisdiction

Program Structure and Expectations

San Bernardino County drug court programs typically last 12 to 18 months and progress through multiple phases of increasing responsibility and decreasing court oversight. Early phases require frequent court appearances, intensive treatment participation, and regular drug testing, while later phases allow more independence as participants demonstrate sustained progress.

Participants are expected to attend all scheduled court appearances, complete assigned treatment programming, submit to random drug testing, maintain employment or educational enrollment, and avoid new criminal activity. Positive behavior is rewarded with praise, reduced requirements, and advancement through program phases, while violations may result in sanctions ranging from increased supervision to short-term incarceration.

Treatment components typically include individual counseling, group therapy, substance use education, and participation in recovery support groups such as AA or NA. Some participants may require medical detox or residential treatment before entering the outpatient phase of drug court, and the court can approve attendance at qualified treatment facilities.

Benefits of Successful Completion

Successfully completing drug court can yield significant legal benefits depending on the specific program and the nature of the original charges. In many cases, charges may be reduced, dismissed, or expunged from the participant's record, removing barriers to employment, housing, and education that a criminal conviction creates.

Beyond the legal benefits, drug court provides participants with tools, relationships, and a recovery foundation that extends well beyond the program's duration. Many drug court graduates describe the program as the turning point that redirected their lives from a cycle of addiction and criminal justice involvement toward stability and purpose.

The structure and accountability of drug court can also serve as a bridge to voluntary, self-directed recovery. Participants who initially enter treatment under court mandate often develop intrinsic motivation for sobriety as they experience the benefits of clear-headed living, improved relationships, and restored self-respect.

Choosing a Treatment Provider for Drug Court

Drug court participants have some flexibility in choosing their treatment provider, provided the facility is approved by the court. Selecting a treatment center with strong clinical credentials, evidence-based programming, and experience working with court-referred clients can significantly improve outcomes.

Trust SoCal in Fountain Valley works with drug courts throughout Southern California, providing JCAHO-accredited treatment that meets and exceeds court requirements. The facility's clinical team communicates directly with drug court coordinators, providing progress reports and ensuring that treatment plans align with court expectations.

When evaluating providers, ask about their experience with court-mandated treatment, their ability to provide required documentation and progress reports, and whether they offer the specific services your drug court program requires, such as drug testing, case management, and participation in recovery support groups.

Getting Started with Drug Court

If you or a loved one is facing drug-related charges in San Bernardino County and believes drug court may be an appropriate alternative, the first step is discussing the option with your defense attorney. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can evaluate eligibility, advocate for drug court placement, and guide you through the application process.

The San Bernardino County Superior Court can provide information about available drug court programs and eligibility criteria. The county's public defender's office is also a valuable resource for individuals who cannot afford private legal representation.

For questions about treatment options that meet drug court requirements, Trust SoCal's admissions team can provide guidance. Call (949) 280-8360 to discuss how the program can support your drug court participation and recovery goals.