Washington County Enterprise-Leader
Part I: New Program Implemented
Judge Brings Change To Drug Court
PRAIRIE GROVE — Judge Chadd Mason has brought changes to the Circuit Court Division 4’s drug court by implementing a work/ restitution program.
“Some of the things we’re doing is novel, perhaps cutting edge,” Mason told Prairie Grove Chamber of Commerce members on Thursday.
“We’re evolving and we’re here to educate you guys on a new program because you’re the ones helping run this community,” Mason said.
Mason said the court is taking nonviolent offenders prior to judgment and conviction of crime and giving them an opportunity to volunteer for the new program. The participants are helped by becoming skill-certified, drug/alcohol free, with a chance to be motivated and work for minimum wage to help pay off fines, court costs and pay their other bills.
Mason said legal immigration status is also checked before a defendant can enter the program.
Participants are expected to be on time for work, have good work ethic and keep their appearance appropriate.
If they remain with the system and work the 12-15 months required without incident, Mason said their record would be expunged from the Washington County system.
“These are low-risk individuals working to earn fines, court costs, what is owed to any victims for crimes like hot checks or forgeries,” Mason said.
“Probation with a felony record is the best alternative for nonviolent offenders,” Mason said. “It allows them to have their record expunged and saves a lengthy and
costly probation process. Most felons with a probation sentence are unable to find work. This helps them get the charges behind them and helps them be productive, pay their taxes and their bills.”
Mason said most people who end up in the system have mental issues and often use drugs to self-medicate.
“Many don’t have an education or a meaningful employment history,” Mason said. “We provide them an opportunity so they can turn this around.”
The Workcourt provides mental health screening, regular visits with a counselor, monthly drug screening, assessment to determine level of education, help for those who need it go through skill training. Screened candidates can receive an Arkansas Career Readiness Certificate to fit which skills the person has to fit available jobs.
Mason said the Career Readiness Certification administered by the Arkansas Department of Workforce Services removes guesswork of workplace skills.
Typical first offenders are those who have failed to pay restitution, according to Mason. Theft, forgery, child support failure, drug use and/or alcohol use are other charges.
There are first offenders with nursing skills, construction skills, manual labor abilities, factory workers and students in the work/restitution program, according to Mason.
“They are motivated so they can get out of the system,” Mason said.
Court Services Deputy Tracey Risley attended the meeting with Mason. He works closely with people in the system and potential employers.
“We want to give these people an opportunity to be productive in society,” Risley said. “The Workcourt is an alternative to a felony on record.
Mason and Risley stressed the program gives employers an opportunity to hire people who are being drug tested monthly, saving the cost of random or standard drug testing, a way to save money by paying minimum wage for some workers with skills that usually require above minimum wage pay, get employees skill certified to fit the job requirements and have legal immigration status checked.
Editor’s note: Part 2 on the Washington County Workcourt will be in the May 9 issue.