Drug Court
Noble County Drug Court began in December, 2005. The Noble County Drug Court
coordinator is Danyel Wagner, who is also the Assistant Chief
Probation Officer and the Director of Noble
County Court Services.
Drug court is a specialized court designed to handle cases involving offenders
who are addicted to drugs. An evaluation of drug courts in Indiana found that
they are effective and significantly reduce the commission of new crimes,
increase compliance with treatment, and that over time every $1.00 invested in
the program saves taxpayers up to $5.37.
The Drug Court Team is made up of the coordinator, Danyel Wagner, Judge Michael
J. Kramer, Prosecutor Steven T. Clouse, Chief Public Defender James J. Abbs,
the Noble County Probation Department, Kendallville Police Office John B.
Dixon, Ron Nicolet of the Northeastern Center and Dick Boggess of the Bowen
Center. They work together to provide the appropriate treatment and supervision
to break the cycle of addiction.
Offenders must plead guilty to the charge, agree to take part in intensive
treatment, pass regular drug screenings, attend self-help meetings, meet with
their probation officer twice weekly, and regular reporting to the drug court
judge. The length of drug court is between 18 and 36 months.
Should the offender fail to comply with one or more of the requirements they
may be removed from the drug court and sentenced for the crimes that were
committed. For lesser violations, the person is continued in drug court and
immediate sanctions are imposed, which can range from an earlier curfew,
community service, increased meetings, or jail. This system has been found to
be effective in building accountability in participants and changing behavior.
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Judge Kramer started the 2nd family drug court in the State of Indiana, which
works with parents in CHINS who have had their children removed because of an
addiction. Too often parents failed to follow through in treatment and often
parental rights had to be terminated. Drug court provides intensive supervision
to ensure follow through by the parents. Drug court allows children to come
home sooner and saves taxpayers child placement costs.