Press Release |
Nine individuals at the Leighton Criminal Courthouse will get a new beginning on Thursday afternoon when they graduate from the (W)RAP Drug Court program.
For Juanez Wakefield, graduation means victory over four decades of drug use and freedom from a drug delivery charge.
“I decided it was time to stop messing with my life,” said Wakefield, 53, who started using drugs at 13 and is now almost two years sober. She said her life is “awesome,” with a union job at Jewel and a studio apartment in Lincoln Park.
“Everything is way different and way better,” said Wakefield. “I know how to communicate with people.”
Graduate Gisselle Negron went to drug court after being charged with stealing a vehicle and possession of cocaine. “I was given the opportunity to see my potential and everything I could accomplish on my own,” said Negron. “I thought I’d give myself a chance.” Negron now works as a manager at a fitness club.
The ceremony will be held at 1 p.m. in Courtroom 402, 2600 S. California Ave. in Chicago. The media is welcome to attend.
The Hon. Charles Burns, who runs the Rehabilitative Alternative Probation and Women’s Rehabilitative Alternative Probation treatment courts, also known as (W)RAP, will preside over the ceremony. (W)RAP is an alternative court program for individuals who have committed non-violent drug-related offenses and one of 20 problem-solving courts in the Circuit Court of Cook County.
“This was an excellent class – all these graduates really worked hard to get to this point,” said Judge Burns. “I’m proud of this example of progressive justice.”
Individuals participating in the problem-solving courts plead guilty to non-violent felony charges and are sentenced to a two-year, intensive probation including behavioral health treatment and frequent drug testing. Upon successful completion of the probation and all of the requirements, criminal convictions may be vacated and the charges can be expunged.
All Rise, the leading training, membership and advocacy organization for treatment courts, named the (W)RAP program a mentor court for the fourth time this year. It is one of 10 such mentor courts out of 4,000 courts nationwide. (W)RAP is short for Cook County Rehabilitate Alternative Probation Program – the “W” means it serves both men and women.
“The Rehabilitative Alternative Probation Program is a shining example of how treatment courts combine accountability with treatment to reduce crime, promote treatment and recovery, and strengthen the community,” said All Rise Chief of Training and Technical Assistance Carolyn Hardin.
Problem-solving courts are located in the Criminal Courthouse and all five suburban districts. Other problem-solving courts include Mental Health Court and Veterans Treatment Court. So far this year, there have been 32 graduations.
“I am proud of all our graduates this spring for their hard work, as well as the judges, probation officers and other court personnel who do so much to help people turn their lives around,” said Chief Judge Timothy C. Evans. “The problem-solving courts provide a way to a better life.”
Kelly Gallivan-Ilarraza, Director of the Problem-Solving Courts, said that the courts are the most successful intervention for reducing crime by addressing substance use and mental health disorders.
“Teams comprised of judges, assistant state’s attorneys, assistant public defenders, probation officers, clinical case managers and coordinators, collaborate to provide participants an opportunity to address their behavioral health issues and make life changes,” Gallivan-Ilarraza said. “With support and encouragement from the team, while being held accountable, participants go back to school, find employment, reunite with families and end the cycle of crime and addiction.”
Besides the (W)RAP court graduation Thursday, the following ceremonies are coming up at the Rolling Meadows Courthouse, Third Municipal District at 2121 Euclid Ave., Rolling Meadows:
- Veterans Court and Mental Health Court, presided over by Third District Presiding Judge Jill Cerone-Marisie, on June 17 with five (5) graduates, time to be determined;
- Drug Treatment Court, presided over by the Hon. Joseph M. Cataldo, Courtroom 109, on June 17 with two (2) graduates, time to be determined.
The following ceremonies will be held at the Maywood Courthouse, Fourth Municipal District, 1311 Maybrook Drive:
- Mental Health Court and Veterans Treatment Court, presided over by the Hon. Kristyna Ryan, Courtroom 101, 1:30 p.m., June 4 with three (3) graduates.
- Drug Treatment Court, presided over by the Hon. Stanley Hill, with two (2) graduates, time and date to be determined.
The following ceremonies will be held in the Bridgeview Courthouse, Fifth Municipal District, 10220 S. 76th Ave.:
- Mental Health Court, Drug Treatment Court and Veterans Treatment Court, presided over by the Hon. Kathaleen Lanahan, Courtroom 108, 11 a.m., July 21, with seven (7) graduates.
The following ceremonies will be held at the Markham Courthouse, Sixth Municipal District, 16501 Kedzie Ave.:
- Mental Health Court, Drug Treatment Court and Veterans Treatment Court, presided over by the Hon. Daniel Maloney, Courtroom 203, 2 p.m., June 3, with five (5) graduates.
The public is welcome to attend graduation ceremonies. The news media should note that some, but not all, graduates have agreed to be filmed and photographed. Please consult with court communications personnel to see which graduates have given their consent.
Follow the court on X @CookCntyCourt