The Rutland Adult Treatment Court Docket is a voluntary program for defendants with substance use disorders who plead guilty to certain criminal charges. It offers participants who complete the program the chance to avoid prison and have criminal charges dismissed or reduced. The docket's goal is to keep communities safe, help defendants end their criminal behavior, and save taxpayers the cost of extended incarceration.

Goals of the Docket

The Rutland Adult Treatment Court Docket tries to reduce drug-related crime, make communities safer, and help people recover from drug dependence.

How Cases Are Referred

Referrals to the program come from defense attorneys, the state’s attorney, the Department of Corrections, and law enforcement. Referred defendants meet with the regional treatment court coordinator to learn more about the program.

Who Is Eligible for the Docket

Defendants who have committed crimes because of their substance use and who are at high risk for reoffending are generally eligible for the program. Eligibility is decided following a legal review of the charges and a clinical evaluation to determine drug dependence. Disqualifying offenses include:

  • Violent crimes
  • Sexual assault crimes
  • Arson
How the Docket Helps Participants

A judge leads the treatment court docket team, which includes attorneys and professionals from treatment providers, probation and parole officers, and law enforcement. The team helps connect defendants with the services they need to succeed in the treatment docket. The team uses rewards and sanctions, community supervision, and random drug tests to support participants.

To graduate from the program, participants must take part in treatment, attend court hearings, and follow program guidelines.

For Further Information

To learn more, please contact:

Rebecca Smith
Rutland County Treatment Court Docket Coordinator
9 Merchants Row
Rutland, VT 05701
Phone: 802–786-3835
Fax: 802-786-5888
Rebecca.K.Smith@vermont.gov