Mfiles Drug Courts

Pierce County

"I have to encourage those that need encouragement, I have to applaud those that deserve applause. But I have to also be the person who is going to sanction them, who is going to hammer them, so to speak, if they don't follow our rules." Says Superior Court Judge Bruce Cohoe.

Pierce County Superior
Court Judge Bruce Cohoe

Washington’s second Drug Court originated in Pierce County in October of 1994. The program consisted of 2 chemical dependency counselors; in 1996 an additional Drug Court Counselor was added to the staff. The staff now consists of the Drug Court Supervisor, Court Liaison, 9 counselors and a clerical assistant.

Drug Court is much like a deferred Prosecution Program for DUI offenders but deals with pending felony drug charges. If the Drug Court client completes the program their charges are dismissed, but if they fail then they serve the high end of their sentence.

Approximately 300 individuals participate in Pierce County Drug Court each year with 25 admitted each month. Since 1994, approximately 380 participants have graduated.

The following are considered essential for successful participation in Pierce County Drug Court:

Honest desire for treatment and recovery
Clean and sober residence
Ability to attend and fully participate
Ability to pay applicable fees

Participant Eligibility:

A felony drug related charge
Prescription forgery
Malicious Mischief 2
Possession of Stolen Property 2 with no weapons involvement
Unlawful issuance of checks of drafts
Vehicle Prow 1
Taking a Motor Vehicle Without Permission
Unlawful Manufacture of Marijuana with the stipulation that no more than 25 starter plants or 5 mature plants. No evidence of dealing and positive input from arresting officer regarding the growth
Eluding cases provided that it is a short distance and did not endanger the lives of others. Client was under the influence or has possession of drug at the time of the incident. Deputy prosecuting attorney and arresting officer approve of Drug court

Additional Criteria:

Client must admit that they are chemically dependent
Client must agree to serve a high end sentence if they fail the program
Client must be amenable to treatment
Client must have transportation to get to the required treatment events
Client must be able to pay for treatment fees and Urine and Breath-analysis testing
If under supervisor with corrections department client must comply with all their CCO recommendations/requirements

Ineligible Criteria:

A mental health problem that exceeds the scope of Drug Court Treatment capabilities
Sex related charges or convictions
A history of violent crimes or weapons charges
Known to be a gang member
History or present manufacturing charges or dealing illicit substances
Any recent history of PCP use

Graduation Requirements:

A minimum of 1 year in treatment
60 days of total compliance
Application for completion
Treatment fees paid in full

Upon successful completion of all requirements, charges are dismissed with prejudice.

Pierce County Drug Court Contact:

Terree Schmidt-Whelan, Ph.D.
Pierce County Alliance
510 Tacoma Avenue South
Tacoma, WA 98402
(253) 572-4750
Fax (253) 272-666
drterree@p-c-a.org