Overall, the eight expansion drug courts appear to divert non-violent offenders from prison, although participants' sentencing scores and likelihood of imprisonment if they fail to complete the program vary among the courts.
Over half of participants successfully completed expansion drug court; however, several courts had low completion rates. Courts with higher completion rates had more drug treatment providers and residential treatment options as well as more interaction between judges and compliant participants.
The eight expansion drug courts expended almost $18 million in federal funds over 42 months. The courts spent most of the funds on providing treatment and drug testing, with the average cost per participant and per successful completion varying significantly. The cost differences can be primarily attributed to the use of some residential treatment options and to differences in the use of non-federal funds.
Overall, participants who successfully completed drug court had a reduced rate of recidivism as measured by felony convictions and short-term data on prison sentences.

Expansion Drug Courts Serving More Prison-Bound Offenders, but Will Not Fully Expend Federal Funds
Report 11-21 November 2011
Pretrial Release Programs' Data Collection Methods and Requirements Could Improve
Report 10-66 December 2010
Zero Tolerance Policy Rescinded and Alternatives Implemented to Address Technical Violations
Report 10-39 April 2010
Intermediate Sanctions for Non-Violent Offenders Could Produce Savings
Report 10-27 March 2010

Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.