Specialty Courts

Specialty Courtsprovide innovative and effective alternatives to traditional sentencing by engaging eligible defendants in intensive, court-supervised treatment programs. This holistic approach goes beyond simply treating substance use disorders Programs require participants to engage in individual and group substance abuse counseling, mental health counseling (based on individual needs), random drug and alcohol testing, probation supervision, collaborative case management and regular court status checks. Specialty Courts improves education, employment, housing, and financial stability. Additionally, Specialty Courts promotes family reunification, reduces foster care placements, and increases the rate of mothers with substance use disorders delivering drug-free babies.

Operated by a dedicated multidisciplinary team—including a judge, defense and prosecution counsel, court officers, treatment providers, probation officers, and drug testing staff—these programs are transforming lives while protecting the public and saving money.

According to All Rise (formerly the National Association of Drug Court Professionals, NADCP), Specialty Courts invest an average of $6,208 per participant. This investment generates substantial savings for both the State of Nevada and Washoe County by reducing public expenditures related to law enforcement, incarceration, and prosecution.

• For every $1.00 invested in Specialty Courts, taxpayers save up to $3.36 in avoided criminal justice costs alone.
• When factoring in reduced victimization and decreased use of healthcare services, total taxpayer savings increase to $27.00 per $1.00 invested.

• Specialty Courts reduce crime by 58% more than other sentencing options.
• Participants are six times more likely to complete substance abuse treatment compared to individuals not involved in a judicially supervised program.
• Without court oversight, more than 70% of substance-abusing offenders drop out of treatment, highlighting the critical role courts play in fostering accountability and success.

These outcomes reinforce the value of Specialty Courts as a long-term solution for reducing recidivism and strengthening community safety.