Recovery Court Overview

Recovery Court in New Jersey: Treatment Instead of Prison

If you are charged with a crime in New Jersey and struggling with addiction, Recovery Court may give you a real chance to get treatment instead of going to state prison. Recovery Court (formerly called “Drug Court”) is a special program in the Superior Court that focuses on helping people with substance use disorders get clean, stay sober, and rebuild their lives while still holding them accountable to the legal system. It is not a “free pass,” but for the right person, it can be the difference between years behind bars and a structured path to recovery in the community.

What is Recovery Court?

Recovery Court is a type of “supervisory treatment” program for adults whose criminal charges are tied to drug or alcohol problems. Instead of sending you directly to prison, the court can place you on a special probationary term with intensive treatment and supervision. You still have a judge, a probation officer, and strict rules, but the purpose is to treat your addiction and reduce the chances that you will re‑offend.

The program is structured in phases. You will have:

• Regular court appearances in front of the same judge.

• Frequent and random drug and alcohol testing.

• Clinical assessments and a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

• Treatment that can include detox, residential (in‑patient) programs, intensive outpatient programs, and individual or group counseling.

• Close supervision by probation and the Recovery Court team.

The team usually includes the judge, probation officers, a substance abuse evaluator, treatment providers, the prosecutor, and your own lawyer. Everyone on that team is focused on one thing: keeping you accountable while providing the tools and support you need to stay sober in the long term.

Who is Eligible for Recovery Court?

Recovery Court is aimed at adults with a substance use disorder whose charges are connected to that addiction. Before you can enter the program, there are two main reviews:

• A legal review, where the court looks at your current charges and your criminal history to see if you are legally allowed into the program.

• A clinical assessment, where a trained evaluator interviews you about your drug and alcohol use, mental health, treatment history, and support system to see if Recovery Court is appropriate.​

Certain people are not allowed into Recovery Court, including many people with prior or pending violent offenses, as well as others excluded under the statute. Recovery Court is now “mandatory” for certain people, meaning that if you qualify, the court may place you there instead of sending you to prison. Your attorney can help you understand whether you are eligible and whether the prosecutor is likely to support or oppose your admission.

What Does Life in Recovery Court Look Like?

Recovery Court is demanding. You can expect:

• Very tight supervision and frequent check‑ins.

• A strict treatment schedule, which might include residential treatment at first.

• Curfews, employment or school requirements, and rules about who you can be around.

• Sanctions if you violate the rules, which can range from increased testing to short jail stays.

At the same time, Recovery Court offers real support. You are connected to treatment providers and services much faster than many people in the regular system. You build a relationship with a judge who gets to know you, your successes, and your setbacks. As you move through the phases and show consistent sobriety and compliance, the level of supervision can gradually decrease.

Many participants find that the structure, accountability, and treatment help them stabilize: they repair relationships, get jobs, and rebuild their health. The state has found that Recovery Court significantly reduces drug use and re‑arrest rates compared to simply locking people up.

Why Talk to a Lawyer Early?

Whether Recovery Court is right for you is a serious decision. For some people, it is the best possible outcome; for others, the conditions may be too strict, or the program may not be available due to the type of charges or prior record. A lawyer who understands Recovery Court can:

• Review your charges and history to see if you might be eligible.

• Help you apply and prepare for the screening process.

• Advise you about the pros and cons of entering the program compared to a regular plea.

• Represent you in court if there is a dispute about whether you should be admitted or whether you should be removed for violations.

If your charges are tied to addiction, you should ask about Recovery Court as early as possible in your case. It may be your best chance to address the underlying problem while staying in the community and working toward a clean slate.