Drug Court New South Wales

The Drug Court NSW Program is a separate court based in Parramatta, Sydney and the Central Coast whereby you can be referred as opposed to receiving a full-time imprisonment sentence. Its aim is to help people who have a drug dependency to be rehabilitated to avoid any rehabilitation.

The Local Court of NSW can refer you to the Drug Court Program. 

Process

• Your lawyer will advise the court that you wish to be added to the Drug Court Ballot. 

• You will then be placed in an upcoming ballot whereby the Drug Court Officers assess each application and accept people based on their needs. 

• If accepted, you will enter into the Drug Court Program and deal with the Drug Court Lawyers until graduation of the program.

Who is Eligible

To be eligible with the program you must

• Be 18 years of age or older, 

• Be willing to participate, 

• Be dependent on the use of drugs, 

• Have indicated a plea of guilty to the court,

• Be highly likely to be sentenced to a term of full-time imprisonment if convicted, 

• Live in the local government areas of Canterbury-Bankstown, City of Bankstown, City of Blacktown, City of Campbelltown, Central, Cessnock, Fairfield, Kurri Kurri, Liverpool, Maitland, Mount Druitt, Newcastle, Newtown, Parramatta, Penrith, Raymond Terrace, Toronto, Waverley and Windsor.

Are All Offenders Accepted

If you are charged with specific offences, you will not be eligible for the program, these include: 

• An offence of violent conduct,

• A sexual offence, 

• An offence punishable under Division 2, Part 2 of the Drug Misuse and Trafficking Act 1985

• Be suffering from a mental health condition that could prevent or restrict your ability to participate in the program

If you are eligible, it is a good idea to apply for the Drug Court NSW Program as if completed, your original sentence will be set aside and a different penalty will be imposed.