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THE OVI COURT MISSION

The mission of the Akron Municipal OVI Court is to enhance public safety through intensive supervision and treatment for repeat OVI offenders. In addition to regular appearances before the OVI Court Judge, the program will ensure compliance by providing individualized treatment planning, frequent drug and alcohol testing, and implementation of graduated sanctions and rewards.

THE OVI COURT MODEL

The OVI Court is not a diversion program; however, it models itself after the highly successful drug court concept that has shown considerable success in rehabilitating offenders with drug and alcohol addictions as well as reducing recidivism. The specialized docket is intended to supervise second and third time OVI offenders in the community and help impact the jail population by reducing long-term sentences. The OVI Court is a post-plea, voluntary program that allows defendants to work toward abstinence from alcohol and drugs thereby reducing recidivism and enhancing public safety.

FOSTERING COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS

The OVI Court model, like Drug Court, fosters partnerships with local community based agencies to provide alternatives to traditional court practices. Participants gain more personal freedoms as they progress through the program and are acknowledged for positive changes in their lives. OVI Court participants are encouraged to maintain personal responsibility with treatment, compliance with Court orders, and abstinence from drugs and alcohol.

OVI COURT ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

• Second or third OVI conviction in 6 years
• Summit County residency
• Desire to change behavior
• Willingness to complete a treatment program and participate in a self-help or recovery group
• Limited, nonviolent prior crimnal history
• Reliable transportation

OVI COURT PROGRAM MODEL

• Regular OVI Court appearances
• Intensive Probation Supervision (weekly appointments)
• Random drug and alcohol testing
• Participation and completion of treatment programming
• Participation in a self-help or recovery group
• Graduated sanctions for non-compliance
• Incentives and rewards for compliance

OVI COURT PROGRAM GOALS

• Enhance public safety
• Reduce Jail overcrowding
• Establish and/or maintain gainful employment for participants
• Assist participants in obtaining a valid driver's license
• Maintain abstinence from drugs and alcohol
• Reduce recidivsm