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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 from other jurisdictions are accepted if the program is not at capacity, the defendant meets all requirements, and is an Ottawa County resident. The transferring court has to agree to transfer conditions from the 58th District Court. A copy of the police report needs to be submitted with the program application.
  • 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.
• Why participate in STP?
  • Possible No jail or reduced jail.
  • Extended time to pay court fines/costs.
  • Treatment for your substance use disorder.
  • Assistance with needs that your family may encounter.
  • Continuous support to help in your alcohol/drug free lifestyle.
  • Possible restricted license.
• 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. Violent criminal history, or a felony weapon conviction, is subject to review by the prosecutor before admission.

  d. Must enter a guilty plea to a one-year misdemeanor.

  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.

• Transfers to Other Jurisdictions

  Individuals seeking to transfer to another jurisdiction to participate in a treatment program must contact the program they are seeking to enter and complete their application and screening. Confirmation of acceptance, a preliminary probation order, and a copy of the Transfer MOU shall be sent to the 58th District Court Probation Department before the Pre-Sentence Investigation to include in report.

Participant Documents

• Application for Screening
• Participant Agreement
• Participant Agreement Spanish