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24th Judicial District celebrates drug court graduates
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The 24th Judicial District Specialty Court congratulated and gifted eight drug court graduates May 28 in the courtroom in Inez. Judges, specialty court staff, family, friends and supporters were on hand for what Judge John T. Chafin says is his “most favorite” part of the job. “This distinguished…
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Diversion over incarceration: Maynard discusses drug court’s role in justice system
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Case specialist Tim Maynard shined a light on drug court during the Kiwanis Club luncheon Thursday at Masterpiece Kitchen & Café in Inez. He has worked at the Kentucky Department of Specialty Courts for six years, serving Martin, Johnson and Lawrence counties. Maynard explained that drug court diverts…
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Drug court is not a ‘get-out-of-jail’ card
From the program’s humble beginnings in Martin County with just three participants in a pilot program back in 2003, drug court has evolved, dispelling the misconception that it is a “get-out-of-jail” card. Instead, it has become a transformative force that offers individuals an opportunity to reclaim their lives. Drug court graduation day in Inez symbolizes…
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Drug court celebrates graduates
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Drug court participants, judges, prosecutors, defenders, family and friends gathered May 30 for what Judge John Chafin said was the favorite part of his job – drug court graduation day. Chafin and Judges Brett Butcher and Kevin Holbrook congratulated and gifted nine graduates in the courtroom in Inez. Butcher introduced…