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LDF Gets State Grant For Drug Court

Brandon Thoms

The Lac du Flambeau tribe has been given $130,000 for a drug court designed to keep offenders from jail.

Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen's office announced the award this week from the Treatment Alternative and Diversion Program. The program addresses non-violent offenders at higher risk of re-offending.

Tribal spokesperson Brandon Thoms says the tribe applied for the grant last November...

"....it's going to go start up the Healing To Wellness Court...(a court) that focuses on not so much the punitive side but the healing side of their legal issues...."

Thoms says not all offenders will be eligible...

"....they have to have been convicted of a non-violent crime in Vilas county and referred by Judge(Neal) Nielsen. After that, the Healing Court judge Gary Smith will determine if that person...meets the criteria to be accepted into the courts..."

He says there is a large incentive for the offender...

"....if the person completes the program, there's a good chance they could have their charges dismissed as the result of a deferred prosecution agreeement...."

Thoms says the goal is to get a person well through the healing court.

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