Woodland man graduates from Addiction Intervention Court via Zoom
A 25-year-old Woodland man successfully graduated virtually from the Yolo County Superior Court’s Addiction Intervention Court Thursday, two years after first appearing at the specialty court.
The Addiction Intervention Court is a specialty court program that provides intensive support services and supervision for up to 20 individuals who struggle with substance use and are involved in the criminal justice system as a result of their addiction, according to a statement from the county District Attorney’s office.
The Addiction Intervention Court and Mental Health Court are two specialty courts programs offered by Yolo County. The programs are partnerships between the county’s Probation Department, the District Attorney’s office, the Public Defender’s office, the Superior Court and the Health and Human Services Agency.
Jordan Spears, the graduate, was arrested by a Yolo County Sheriff’s deputy in February 2018 for driving a stolen vehicle, possession of burglary tools, possession of paraphernalia used to inject controlled substances. According to the statement, he was transient at the time and living in Woodland.
At the time of his arrest, Spears admitted to regular methamphetamine use and had been convicted of numerous drug-related crimes, but reported he had never participated in substance abuse treatment and expressed interest in doing so.
In April 2018, Spears was deemed suitable for the specialty court and made his first appearance. Though he initially struggled with the program, he found his footing, receiving services for his substance abuse order, and getting both a job and a car the following year.
“I’ve watched you grow so much in the 45 court appearances where I’ve been by your side,” said Deputy Public Defender Bret Bandley during the virtual graduation. “You have come so far.” , Bandley represented Spears during the virtual graduation.
Judge David Rosenberg, who presided over the Zoom graduation, told Spears he was the “poster child” for those fighting addiction, according to the statement.
Spears announced that he was offered an assistant manager position at his job.
Normally, graduations conclude with cake and pizza. Because of the virtual setting of the graduation on account of the COVID-19 pandemic, the team had pizza and cake delivered to Spears at his home in Woodland.
Spears will also participate in the specialty court’s alumni program which allows graduates to stay involved and mentor others who are still in the program.