Adult Specialized Treatment Court Docket
Presiding Judge: Hon. Ian English
Lucas County Common Pleas Court
4th Floor – Courtroom #6
Contact Information
Nikki Kolasinski, Coordinator
Phone: (419) 213-4540
Lucas County Adult Treatment Court
The Lucas County Adult Treatment Court was established in 2016 to provide specialized supervision and treatment for individuals whose substance use disorders result in criminal charges. This innovative court program offers an alternative to incarceration, focusing on rehabilitation rather than punishment.
By emphasizing accountability and effective treatment, the Adult Treatment Court supports participants in overcoming addiction, improving their lives, and enhancing public safety while safeguarding victims’ rights.
Program Overview
The Adult Treatment Court is a minimum of 18 months long and is designed to assist individuals in overcoming the challenges of long-term recovery. Participants receive comprehensive support to address critical barriers, such as securing stable housing, obtaining state identification, reinstating driver’s licenses, finding stable employment, and accessing educational or vocational training.
Since its inception on April 21, 2016, the program has produced significant cost savings for Ohio taxpayers. The Adult Treatment Court has saved over $7,467,386.49 in “in-custody” days—those saved through successful treatment rather than incarceration. This equates to an average annual savings of $984,002.07.
However, these financial benefits only represent part of the program’s impact. The court’s success is further reflected in the economic contributions of participants who gain legal employment, pay taxes, and reduce reliance on social service programs. Additionally, the Children’s Services Board has benefited from a reduction in cases, and local communities gain from the mandatory community service completed by participants as part of their graduation requirements.
How the Program Works
Upon entry into the program, participants undergo a thorough assessment to determine the most effective treatment plan tailored to their needs. Throughout their participation, they are required to attend regular court appearances before the judge, with their progress continuously monitored. Treatment plans are adjusted as needed to ensure participants stay on track with their recovery.
See Treatment Court Participant Handbook.
Eligibility Criteria
Legal Eligibility Requirements:
- Must reside in Lucas County or a neighboring county.
- Must have been convicted of or pled guilty to a felony offense, including F1, F2 (with prosecutor/judge approval), F3, F4, or F5 offenses. Pretrial participants may be referred for eligibility screening.
- Those on intervention in lieu of conviction, probation violations, judicial release, or judicial release violations may also be eligible for referral.
- Individuals with domestic violence or strangulation charges may be eligible with the prosecutor’s approval.
Exclusions:
- Individuals found Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity (NGRI), declared incompetent to stand trial, or convicted of juvenile or adult sex offenses are not eligible.
- Offenses that mandate a mandatory prison sentence, involvement in criminal networks, or the commission of violent acts against law enforcement officers are excluded.
- A pending pretrial felony case outside of Lucas County may also result in exclusion (subject to case-by-case review).
Treatment Eligibility Requirements:
- Participants must have a diagnosed substance use disorder, along with any related co-occurring mental health disorders.
- Participants must demonstrate the cognitive ability to understand and voluntarily engage in their treatment plan.
How to Apply
If you or someone you know is interested in being considered for the Lucas County Adult Treatment Court, please complete the referral form below. For further information or inquiries, please contact Nikki Kolasinski, Program Coordinator, at (419) 213-4540 or via email.