Welcome
New York State leads the nation in the expansion and implementation of drug courts into daily court operations.
Drug courts use a collaborative approach to treatment involving defense attorneys, prosecutors, treatment and education providers, and law enforcement officials. Non-violent offenders voluntarily enter the program in which rules are clearly defined and a contract between the offender, attorneys, the District Attorney and the court is signed.
Results from these treatment programs have been overwhelmingly positive. A 2003 study of six drug courts conducted by the Center for Court Innovation demonstrates that the rates at which drug court graduates re-offend are significantly reduced. Based on the accomplishments of drug court treatment, these courts are being opened throughout the country.
There are 141 drug courts in operation statewide.
Overview
Drug Courts have their roots in an idea that was developed in Miami, Florida, in 1989. In response to a crack epidemic, jurists in Miami realized that the endless cycle of addiction and recidivism needed to be broken to reduce drug use and drug-related crime. The basic concept behind drug courts involves a dramatic intervention by the court in cooperation with an entire team including the defense, prosecution, treatment, education, and law enforcement. In return for a promise of a reduced sentence, appropriate non-violent addicted offenders are given the option of entering voluntarily into court-supervised treatment. The rules and conditions of participation are clearly stated in a contract entered into by the defendant, the defense attorney, the district attorney, and the court. The results have been overwhelmingly positive and drug courts have gone into operation all over the country.
New York State leads the nation in the expansion and institutionalization of drug courts into daily court operations. Former Chief Judge Judith Kaye recognized the benefits of the program and had the vision to ask that it be implemented in every jurisdiction in the State. As of June 2025, there were 96 drug courts in operation, 28 opioid intervention courts and 3 drug courts focused solely on juveniles. Through June 2025, over 140,074 individuals have participated in New York State court drug treatment programs and over 70,101 have graduated.
Each drug court in New York is locally based and reflects the legal culture of the community. Support for the program comes from the local communities, the Unified Court System budget and the federal government. Statewide standards are facilitated by regular training each team receives and the oversight provided through continuous evaluation and assistance from the Problem Solving Justice Division of the Office for Justice Initiatives.