86th District Court
Serving Grand Traverse, Antrim and Leelanau Counties
PrintSobriety Court
SOBRIETY COURT
Hon. Michael J. Haley, Presiding Judge
SOBRIETY COURT MISSION STATEMENT
To enhance the public safety and community welfare by reducing recidivism among DWI offenders.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
In 2001, the 86th District Court implemented the Sobriety Court program in response to the serious community problem of drunk driving. Judge Michael J. Haley presides over the Sobriety Court at the Antrim and Grand Traverse County Courthouses and handles eligible sobriety court cases that occur in Antrim, Grand Traverse and Leelanau Counties.
The program's multifaceted approach utilizes a team concept. It includes a fast-track system with routine team meetings, frequent interaction with the presiding judge, intensive supervision by the probation officers, intensive treatment, random drug screening and alcohol testing.
Treatment consists of individualized assessment and treatment planning, individual and group counseling for substance abuse and other issues, self-help support meetings, education and employment issues.
Positive reinforcement is provided for performance in the program. Sanctions are imposed and therapeutic interventions made in response to non-compliance.
In January 2008, Judge Haley's Sobriety Court was selected by the National Association of Drug Court Professionals as an Academy Court. This honor recognizes the success of our program and uses our judge, probation officers and sobriety court documents and processes to teach other courts from around the country how to begin or enhance an existing program.
ELIGIBILITY
• Non-violent defendants who have been convicted of repeat (at least 2) drinking
and driving offenses may be eligible for the program.
• Participants must live in Antrim, Grand Traverse or Leelanau Counties.
PHASES OF THE PROGRAM
Each of the program's phases is designed with a built-in incentive point system. Participants receive credit for requirements performed which advances them through the phases.
Phase I (120-day minimum)
• Judicial one-on-one review every 2 weeks
• Meet with probation officer every 2 weeks
• Substance abuse counseling
• Twice daily to daily breathalyzers and 4 times per month urine screenings
• Self-help support meetings (90 meetings in 90 days)
Phase II (90-day minimum)
• Judicial one-on-one review every 4 weeks
• Meet with probation officer every 2 weeks
• Random breathalyzers and urine screenings
• 3 self-help support meetings per week
Phase III
• Judicial one-on-one review every 4 weeks
• Meet with probation officer every 4 weeks
• Substance abuse counseling as directed
• Continue with program activities
• Random drug screening
• Continue with self-help support