Grand Haven  |   Holland  |   Hudsonville  |   Frequently Asked Questions  |   Participant Documents

FAQ

• What is the Sobriety Treatment Program (STP)?
  • A program for individuals with OWI-II convictions.
  • Assistance to maintain an alcohol/drug free lifestyle.
  • A team approach for supervision.
  • Regular court appearances.
  • A combination of incentives and sanctions to change behavior.
  • Substance abuse treatment.
  • An opportunity to make positive lifestyle changes.
• Who is eligible for STP?
  • Defendant must be an Ottawa County resident or residing within the Court's jurisdiction. Transfers are accepted from other counties as long as the defendant resides in Ottawa County.
  • The defendant must have a serious pattern of substance abuse or dependency.
  • The offense is alcohol or drug related or where the offense had an underlying substance abuse issue.
  • The defendant may not have a history of violent offenses.
  • All defendants who request entrance into the STP must enter a guilty plea to a misdemeanor or felony punishable by at least one year in jail. Preference is given to OWI-II and OWI-III offenders.
• Why participate in STP?
  • Possible No jail or reduced jail.
  • Extended time to pay court fines/costs
  • Treatment for your substance abuse problem
  • Assistance with needs that your family may encounter.
  • Continuous support to help in your alcohol/drug free lifestyle.
  • Possible restricted license for OWI-II and OWI-III offenses.
• What are the program requirements?

  The defendant

  a. Must agree to cooperate with and complete a preadmissions screening and evaluation process as determined by the 58th District Court.

  b. Must be an Ottawa County resident, or within the court’s jurisdiction.

  c. May not have a violent criminal history or a felony weapon conviction.

  d. Must enter a guilty plea to a one year misdemeanor with the transferring court prior to program entry. Preference is given to OWI 2nd cases.

  e. Must sign a written agreement to participate in the Sobriety Treatment Program.

  *Transfers from other jurisdictions are accepted as long as the program is not at capacity, the defendant meets all requirements, and is an Ottawa County resident.

• How to participate in STP?
  The prosecutor is the "gatekeeper" for determining who is legally eligible for entry into the program.
  Attorneys, or potential participants, must fill out an application screening form and submit it to the prosecutor's office for review.
  
  If the candidate passes the legal screening, the prosecutor's office will notify the Probation Department, who will then schedule an interview with the potential participant.
  
• How will I be notified of acceptance or denial into the program?
  The probation department will send a notice of approval to the defense attorney or defendant. The Court will also be notified to schedule a sentence date on the next possible opening, which could be within a week.
  
• Review Sessions

  Participants are required to appear in court on a regular basis. The number of times depends on the phase the participant is in. Review sessions for the Holland program are held every other Wednesday. Review sessions for the Grand Haven program are held every other Tuesday. Review sessions are open to the public.

Participant Documents

• Application for Screening
• Participant Agreement
• Participant Agreement Spanish