Recovery Court

Effective Treatment as an Alternative to Incarceration

What We Do

Recovery Court addresses the needs of defendants whose primary dependency on alcohol or non-opiate drugs results in criminal charges and low-level felonies. The program establishes effective treatment as an alternative to incarceration improving quality of life and increasing community safety by providing Court oversight and linking defendants to appropriate treatment and service providers.

Community Partnerships

Recovery Court works with a variety of community partners and providers to offer a wide range of supportive and therapeutic services including an employment program with Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities that assists acquiring employment during and after their time in the program.

"We are really glad to be able to offer this opportunity to our participants."

— Judge David Tyack, Former Judge of Recovery Court

History

Recovery Court, formerly the Alcohol and Drug Addiction Program (ADAP) was created in 2009 as a voluntary specialized docket program and as the original drug court. The Program is certified by the Supreme Court of Ohio to provide services to high risk, high need defendants. Participation in Recovery Court has steadily increased over the last decade and currently serves 60-75 participants, with approximately 75% having OVI charges involving alcohol or drugs.

"Staff is amazing and was always there to help. There were clear expectations to follow so if you plan your day it was not overwhelming to manage."

- Matt M., Recovery Court Participant

I really appreciated the true concern and help that Recovery Court provided for me and the other people that are involved in the program. I hope that they all understand and know that they really do help change lives."

-Tom C., Recovery Court Participant

"The accountability on going to AA meetings and drug screens helped me, knowing if I did not comply I would face more consequences. The support of the Judge and staff helped me make it through some tough times."

-Casey S., Recovery Court Participant

Judge D'Varga,

Good morning, I'm writing to share with you another day I never thought I would see. Yesterday, 3/2/26 I was able to celebrate four years of sobriety!

Not a day goes by that I am not grateful for the opportunity I was given by you, your court, and the others involved in recovery court. I would be naive to not acknowledge that one reason I am where I am today is because of that opportunity.

We both know I have been in courtrooms many times over the years. Although I feel I was always treated fairly, something was always missing from prior cases I've had. That missing piece was the personal and compassionate interactions Recovery Court allowed me and many others to experience. I don't think I would have made it this long without that or my wife and kids. It has been amazing seeing my kids grow closer to me over the years, Building that relationship back up. It really is the best feeling in the world.

Thank you, Judge D'Varga. And thank you Recovery Court for being a big part in me finding myself and taking my life back. If there is anything I can ever do for recovery court, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Have a great day, and thank you for who you are and what you do!

Sincerely,

N. C.

1462 days and counting.

What to Expect

Participants in Recovery Court agree to the following:

• Plead guilty and be placed on community control sanctions
• No possession, purchase, sale or use of illegal substances and/or alcohol
• Participation in individual or group counseling, mental health and/or anger management treatment
• Attend weekly check-ins and individual status reviews
• Daily calls and random drug testing

View all Specialized Dockets