The United States Probation Office for the District of Vermont is pleased to announce the implementation of a new federal drug court program in the Rutland courthouse beginning in April of 2015. This program differs from the existing “re‐entry” program in Burlington because participants will join drug court before sentencing.

A collaborative effort among the United States District Court, United States Probation Office, United States Attorney's Office, and the criminal defense bar, the Rutland Drug Court Program requires that participants adapt to law‐abiding and responsible lifestyles. Prior to entry, participants must be approved for participation by the drug court team and the district judge before whom the charges against the participant were originally pending. Once accepted, participants will be required to engage in drug counseling, to remain free from drugs and alcohol, to submit to drug testing, and to obtain employment or enroll in school.

The court will hold sessions every two weeks. As the participants advance through successive phases of the program, the court will continue to monitor and support their efforts to become productive members of society. Participation in drug court is expected to take approximately 12 months. Successful graduation from drug court will result in a reduction in charges, a probationary sentence, or in some cases, a dismissal of charges.

Additional information is available on the court website as well as from the U.S. Probation Office, United States Attorney’s Office, the Federal Public Defender’s Office, and defense attorney Natasha Sen.