Accountability Court

The Mountain Judicial Circuit Accountability Court is a post-plea model offered to eligible participants charged with (but not limited to) felony drug or related offenses. Entry into the program is completely voluntary. Upon successful completion of program case may be dismissed, expunged or sentence modified. We have a total of 5 programs. 3 Drug Court Programs (Stephens, Habersham, and Rabun), and 1 Circuit Wide Mental Health Program and 1 Circuit Wide Family Treatment Court program.

Stephens County Drug Court is held on the 1st and 3rd Friday of each month starting at 10:30 a.m. for the 1st Friday and 10:00 a.m. for the 3rd Friday of the month.

Habersham County Drug Court is held on the 2nd and 4th Friday of each month starting at 10:30 a.m.

Rabun County Drug is held on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month starting at 10:00 a.m.

Mental Health Court for the circuit is held in Stephens County on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month starting at 10:30 a.m.

Family Treatment Court for the circuit is held in Habersham on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month starting at 2:30 p.m.

For more information talk to your Public Defender, Private Attorney or Accountability Court Director office 706-839-0345.

Typically, those found guilty of drug related offenses are sentenced to minimum three years to be served on probation, with special conditions not limited to suspension of driver’s license, fines, fees, community service, drug screens, drug and alcohol assessment and follow up to the recommendations made in that assessment, FVIP (if required), GED,  etc.

Mountain Judicial Circuit Accountability Court is also offered as an alternative to revocation for those offenders who are on probation or have new charges and may subsequently test positive for or are battling substance abuse. The probationer may enter the Accountability Court in lieu of incarceration that provides intensive rehabilitative services.

After arrest, defendants are identified by defense attorney, family members or Accountability Court team member as potentially eligible for the Mountain Judicial Circuit Accountability Court Program.

The Mountain Judicial Circuit Accountability Court Team consists of the Judge, Director, Coordinator, Clinic Coordinator, Case Manager, District Attorney, Defense Attorney, Felony Probation Officer, Law Enforcement, and Treatment Provider(s). The Treatment Team determines who will be offered entry into the program. Although the District Attorney’s Office is the gatekeeper.

There is a $175 per month fee for Drug Court and Family Treatment Court, and $75 a month for Mental Health Court. Counseling locations are set by the Treatment provider and schedules will be given to each participant. Confidentiality is a must in groups. There will be severe consequences for any violation of this rule. This applies to both participants and staff of the Accountability Court.

All participants are required to have random alcohol/drug screens for the duration of their program.  Drug testing is performed on a random basis; however, a breathe, saliva, hair follicle or urine specimen may be required at any time.

Eligible participants will meet the following criteria:

  • Currently facing, but not limited to felony charges due  to substance abuse
  • Meet criteria for high risk/high needs, abuse or dependence
  • At least 17 years old
  • May not reside with any individual (legally married or otherwise) that uses narcotic (prescribed or illegal)

Probation Eligibility:

  • Must not test positive for alcohol/drugs, obtain new alcohol/drug-related offenses, or refuse to provide specimen to be tested for alcohol/drugs
  • Must have at least 18 to 24 months left on probation sentence
  • Must be at least 17 years old

Disqualification Criteria

The following criteria disqualify an offender for the Mountain Judicial Circuit Accountability Court Program:

  • Violent convictions or history as outlined under 42U.S.C 3797 u-2.
  • Involvement in trafficking, manufacturing or multiple sale of narcotics
  • Severe and/or untreated mental/physical health problem which would impede their ability to actively participate in and complete the intensive program
  • Receiving medical management of pain medication (not to include prescribed psychotropic medication)