DWI Academy Courts
Learn more about each dynamic program below.
Impaired Driving Solutions selects exemplary impaired driving treatment courts to serve as Academy Courts. These programs host foundational workshops, receive staff from other jurisdictions for site visits, play a significant role in participating in research and media, and serve as a national model. The Academy Court Network was developed in collaboration with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at the U.S. Department of Transportation.
If you need assistance or more information on scheduling a court visit, contact:
Jessica Lange
Project director, Impaired Driving Solutions
Academy Courts
Athens-Clarke County DUI Treatment Court
The Athens DUI Treatment Court was originally designed and implemented in February 2001 in the State Court of Athens-Clarke County under the direction of Judge Kent Lawrence. It became the first operational DUI court in the state of Georgia. The court’s mission is to increase public safety, save lives, and strengthen families. It seeks to lead justice-involved individuals with a substance use disorder into a life of recovery and stability. It employs a holistic approach that combines evidence-based therapeutic interventions, comprehensive support services, and enhanced supervision and accountability. The court develops individualized treatment and supervision plans for each participant based upon the participant’s particular needs and partners with many local agencies to provide a full continuum of treatment options, safe sober housing, medical and dental services, employment opportunities, transportation assistance, and educational and vocational training.
This is the fourth consecutive Academy Court designation for the Athens DUI Treatment Court.
Buncombe County Sobriety Court
The Buncombe County Sobriety Court was founded in 2013 with the goal of increasing public safety by providing support to those on the road to recovery. Located in Asheville, North Carolina, the court serves a dynamic and diverse population, providing an opportunity for those struggling with substance use disorder to participate in a therapeutic, evidence-based program that uses best practices, trauma-informed care, cultural competency, and gender-specific dockets. The court team is committed to learning and continually improving processes and practices, and we like to have fun while doing so! Presiding Judge Julie M. Kepple has been an integral part of the program since its inception and notes the success of the program is due to the dedicated professionals who make up the team, as well as the strong community support and recovery resources of the area. Asheville has a thriving recovery community with a wealth of mental health and substance use resources available. We are fortunate to work collaboratively with supportive community partners to create a individualized program using local resources.
This is the first Academy Court designation for the Buncombe County Sobriety Court.
El Paso DWI Drug Court Intervention and Treatment Program
Judge Robert Anchondo started Texas’ first DWI/drug court in 2004. Since then, he has fostered ongoing improvement in his program and team by continually asking, “Is there a better way to do this?” The El Paso DWI Drug Court has built invaluable partnerships with local law enforcement, universities such as the University of Texas at El Paso and Texas Tech, and local hospitals and medical professionals. The court team embraces the region’s diverse population and has taken strides to engage the Hispanic community, encouraging family members to assist participants and help ensure a more successful recovery process.
This is the fourth consecutive Academy Court designation for the El Paso DWI Drug Court.
Larimer County DUI Recovery Court
The Larimer County DUI Recovery Court has served Colorado’s 8th Judicial District since 2010 with the goals of reducing recidivism, promoting accountability, and improving the health and safety of participants and their community at a reduced cost. Judge Matthew Zehe has presided over the program since its inception. Participants charged with primarily felony DUI offenses begin their sentence in work release status, which provides structure and stability in the early phases of the program. Through the thoughtful application of best practices for comprehensive treatment, supervision, and graduated responses, the multidisciplinary team supports and encourages participants in building a solid foundation for lifelong recovery. Community resources include sober living, individualized treatment, and Larimer Court Support, an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit that directs community contributions to support the success of the jurisdiction’s problem-solving court participants. In August 2017, the DUI recovery court became the first DUI court in Colorado to be accredited by the state’s Problem-Solving Court Accreditation Program and earned reaccreditation in December 2022.
This is the first Academy Court designation for the Larimer County DUI Recovery Court.
Sobriety, Treatment, Education, Excellence & Rehabilitation (STEER) DUI Court
The Sobriety, Treatment, Education, Excellence and Rehabilitation (STEER) regional DUI court located in Yellowstone County, Montana was established in 2011. Judge Mary Jane Knisely’s court program serves participants living in predominantly rural areas, which presents distinct challenges to accessing legal and treatment services. To overcome these challenges, the STEER DUI Court uses innovative technology, including a web-based case management system, video teleconferencing, tablets, and mobile applications to provide compliance monitoring, supervision, and treatment services. The court offers medication for addiction treatment, gender-specific and culturally appropriate treatment, and even yoga and art therapy. In addition, the STEER DUI Court provides support services such as sober housing, parenting classes, alternative transportation, and vocational rehabilitation.
This is the third consecutive Academy Court designation for the STEER DUI Court.
South St. Louis County DWI Court
Founded in 2008 by Judge Shaun Floerke, the South St. Louis County DWI Court strives to interrupt the cycle of addiction and crime through increased accountability and improved access to services. The court welcomed Judge Leslie Beiers as presiding judge in January 2021. Under her leadership, the court maintains sobriety, employment, and graduation rates of close to 90%. Known for innovation, the South St. Louis County DWI Court stands out for its creative application of evidence-based interventions, including trauma-informed yoga, unique community service opportunities, and alumni groups for graduates. The court emphasizes building recovery capital and has helped hundreds of participants initiate and sustain long-term recovery.
This is the third consecutive Academy Court designation for the South St. Louis County DWI Court