Program Description

The Court will operate both at the Riverhead Justice Center with Judge Allen M. Smith presiding and the Southampton Justice Center with Judge Deborah E. Kooperstein presiding.

Two years ago a screening was performed to determine the number of potential cases in the five towns located on the East End of Suffolk County: Riverhead, Southampton, Southold, Shelter Island and East Hampton. The initial screening results showed that the number of petit larceny and criminal possession 7th cases in Riverhead and Southampton were 150 and 250 respectively. Since that time, Judges Smith and Kooperstein estimate that the number of such cases has grown and that the inclusion of other types of cases in the initial target screen such as promoting prison contraband and criminal use of drug paraphernalia 2nd degree, will increase the number of eligible cases. Based on this initial screening, it is expected that the number of participants in the first year of operation will total 60-70 (30-35 participants per courthouse). It is anticipated that this number will increase to 100 during the second year of operation.

The following types of non-violent, substance-related cases will be targeted in this program:

  • Criminal Possession 7th (Penal Law 220.03)
  • Petit Larceny (Penal Law 155.25)
  • Promoting Prison Contraband (Penal Law 205.20)
  • Unlawful Possession of Marijuana
  • Criminal Use of Drug Paraphernalia 2nd
  • Prostitution (Penal Law 230.00)