"SF's 30-year-old Drug Court was intended for non-violent drug offenders to avoid jail for low-level drug crimes. But now people with pretty violent charges are sneaking in, and Supervisor Matt Dorsey ain't happy about it. San Francisco's Drug Court was established in 1995, and is meant as a diversion program so that low-level drug offenders can avoid normal court and jail, and instead get "services in the community designed to get them out of their drug and crime situations."
"A nice idea, but a Chronicle report earlier this month detailed that Drug Court cases are ballooning in numbers, and that Drug Court is taking people charged with violent crimes like attempted murder, armed robbery and assault with a deadly weapon. Drug courts can be highly effective to protect safety and help offenders recover from addictions that often lead them to commit crime."
San Francisco established Drug Court in 1995 to divert low-level, nonviolent drug offenders into community services rather than normal criminal prosecution and jail. The number of cases accepted into Drug Court tripled between 2023 and 2025. Drug Court now includes people charged with violent offenses such as attempted murder, armed robbery, and assault with a deadly weapon. Supervisor Matt Dorsey called for hearings and labeled the program as failing, while also emphasizing the life-changing potential of treatment for those in recovery. Concerns focus on program scope, public safety, and the need for stronger oversight and effective implementation.
Read at sfist.com
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