A Specialty Court program is a specialized court docket addressing the underlying causes or influences of the offending behavior. Specialty Courts utilize a collaborative team approach among the Judge, probation officer, treatment provider, prosecutor, and defense counsel. These programs follow legislative requirements and national standards, such as the 10 Key Components of Drug Courts and the 10 Guiding Principles of DWI Courts.
The 52-2 District Court offers three specialty court programs: Sobriety Court Program, Mental Health Court and Veterans Treatment Court. These post-adjudication programs utilize frequent judicial reviews, intensive probation supervision, treatment interventions, and connection with ancillary services to promote personal responsibility, sobriety from substances, improved mental and emotional health, and productive citizenship.
The 52-2 District Court has operated the Sobriety Court Program since 2004 for high-risk drinking and driving offenders. This is a certified DWI/Sobriety Court Program by the State Court Administrative Office of Michigan. As such, participants with qualifying convictions can participate in the Treatment Court Interlock Licensing program, which allows restricted licensing to otherwise suspended individuals.
Persons eligible for the program must been the following criteria:
- A) Current drinking (or drugging) and driving offense (such as OWI, OWPD, OWAI, Child Endangerment, etc.) with a prior alcohol or drug conviction or
B) Current conviction of OWI with BAC .17 or Greater or Child Endangerment when a BAC of .15 or higher is present, without a prior alcohol or drug conviction. - Residency or full time employment within the jurisdiction of the 52-2 District Court. Exceptions for out-of-jurisdiction residence are made for good cause.
- No history of serious violent offenses
- Cannot be on active probation or parole for a felony offense
- No outstanding matters with ICE or illegal alien status
Note: The program does not accept current felony drinking and driving convictions or persons already being supervised for a felony offense.
The program will only consider accepting a transfer case from another court if:
- the individual meets all the above criteria
- the individual is a resident within the 52-2 District Court jurisdiction
- the program has sufficient space to accept a transfer case
- the originating court agrees to a transfer and will coordinate with the 52-2 District Court
Nadia Mlinek is the Sobriety Court Coordinator and one of the two Sobriety Court Probation Officers. Questions regarding this program can be directed to Ms. Mlinek at probation275@oaklandcountymi.gov
The North Oakland Veterans Treatment Court Program was established in 2014, as a collaborative effort between the 52-2 District Court, the 51st District Court and the 50th District Court. This specialty court program addresses underlying mental health and/or substance abuse issues of both non-combat and combat veterans through therapeutic intervention, veteran services, peer mentorship, and robust court supervision.
To be considered for the Veterans Treatment Court Program, a court-involved veteran must provide a copy of their DD214 during a presentence investigation.
Questions regarding the Veterans Treatment Court can be directed to Andrea Ewer at probation253@oaklandcountymi.gov.
The 52nd District Court established a Mental Health Court Program in 2022 to successfully link those with a serious mental illness, serious emotional disturbance, or developmental disorder to appropriate treatment services while maintaining public safety and reducing recidivism. The program aims to minimize jail placement through the combination of therapeutic intervention and close court supervision.
To be considered for the Mental Health Court Program, an offender must meet the following criteria:
- Primary residence in Oakland County
- No prior convictions for violent crimes as defined by federal guidelines and Michigan statute
- Offer a plea of guilty or no contest on a misdemeanor case
- Identified with a serious mental illness, serious emotional disturbance, or developmental disability as defined by MCL 330.1100 via a clinical assessment within the past two years
Questions regarding the Mental Health Court can be directed to Caroline Mitton at mittonc@oaklandcountymi.gov or Nadia Mlinek at probation275@oaklandcountymi.gov.