Governor Nathan Deal is a supporter of Drug Courts

2011 Brings Renewed Support for Drug Courts in Georgia
New Governor Says Drug Courts a Budge Solution, Calls for Expansion

On January 11, Georgia Governor Nathan Deal gave his inaugural address to state officials and lawmakers after being sworn into office by his son, Hall County Drug Court Judge Jason Deal.  Governor Deal wasted little time in addressing crime and its related costs, stressing the need for Drug Courts, DUI Courts and Mental Health Courts as both a social and budget solution:

“For violent and repeat offenders, we will make you pay for your crimes. For other offenders who want to change their lives, we will provide the opportunity to do so with Day Reporting Centers, Drug, DUI and Mental Health Courts and expanded probation and treatment options. As a State, we cannot afford to have so many of our citizens waste their lives because of addictions. It is draining our State Treasury and depleting our workforce…..”

On January 13, the Honorable Jeffrey Bagley, NADCP board member, Drug Court Judge and Chair of the Judicial Council of Georgia Standing Committee on Drug Courts, authored an OpEd in the Atlanta Journal Constitution touting the success of Georgia’s Drug Courts at reducing crime and recidivism and saving money. Judge Bagley made it clear to Georgia legislators that the committee stands ready to work with them on expanding and improving Drug Courts throughout the state.