Growing on Success in Ferndale, Hazel Park Judge Adds Treatment Court to 43rd District Services
(Crystal A. Proxmire, Jan. 27, 2025)
Hazel Park, MI – Those facing jail time in Hazel Park for drug and alcohol related offenses could benefit from the court’s new Treatment Court, aimed at helping those struggling with addiction to have support and accountability to potentially change their lives.
The 43rd District Court in Hazel Park recently announced the new Hybrid Drug/DWI Treatment Court (“Treatment Court”), which targets both DWI and non-DWI adult offenders. The program, presided over by Judge Brian C. Hartwell, emphasizes regular judicial reviews, rigorous probation oversight, treatment strategies, and access to additional services.
“We started an adult treatment court in Hazel Park because people addicted to drugs or alcohol need continual motivation and guidance to help them stay sober,” said Judge Hartwell. “We want to show the participants how sober living will extend their lives, improve their health, and keep them out of prison.”
Judge Hartwell explained that the program follows the “successful model of Judge Joseph Longo’s treatment court in Ferndale,” and fosters personal accountability, substance sobriety, enhanced mental and emotional well-being, and active community participation.
The Treatment Court team employs a collaborative approach involving the judge, probation officer, treatment provider, prosecutor, and defense counsel. The program adheres to legislative mandates and national benchmarks supported by the State Court Administrative Office (SCAO), including the “10 Key Components of Drug Courts” and the “10 Guiding Principles of DWI Courts.”
Problem-solving courts are programs that focus on nonviolent offenders whose underlying issues, such as a substance use disorder or mental health diagnosis, have contributed to recurring involvement with the criminal justice system. In addition to funding, the SCAO also provides these courts with operational support and resources, state certification, training, and performance measurement.
The 43rd District Court includes Ferndale, Hazel Park, and Madison Heights. Each city has a court location with a dedicated Judge as well as magistrates and support staff. Cases in any of those cities may be assigned to any of those courts, and Ferndale Judge Joe Longo oversees administration of the District.
Judge Longo began Treatment Court in April 2003. “Our Sobriety Court’s primary purpose is to promote public safety and reduce the recidivism rates for individuals convicted of drinking and driving offenses. The results of addressing this problem are reducing alcohol related driving offenses, as well as, reduction in incarceration costs while returning a productive individual to the community,” Longo said.
“Our program utilizes a multi-faceted approach, which consists of intensive supervision by a Sobriety Court Case Manager, mandatory treatment, educational alcohol awareness programs, daily/random testing, and frequent court appearances. Sanctions are imposed for noncompliance. The treatment consists of individual and group counseling sessions, regular attendance at 12-step support meetings, and assistance with life skills.
“It is gratifying to have past participants send an email or come into the court thanking us for the positive impact our program has had on their life. Not only is it rewarding to see the long-term results with participants, it is also fulfilling to see the change in the participant as they progress through the program. It is one of the reasons why we keep doing it year after year.”
The State of Michigan’s 2023 Problem Solving Court Annual Report shared that graduates of adult drug court programs were, on average, 4 times less likely to be convicted of a new offense within three years of admission to a program. The report also found that individuals who used ignition interlock devices to prevent drunk driving were five times less likely to re-offend within three years.
Treatment court graduates also had higher success rates in their careers, as unemployment dropped by 88 percent for sobriety court graduates and hybrid court (drug/sobriety) graduates.
Longo, who is approaching retirement, added “I am happy to see Judge Hartwell taking on the project. I am term-limited and will only serve in Ferndale for 4 more years. I am happy that the 43rd District Court will continue to have a treatment court after I am no longer on the bench. I hope that Judge Hartwell and his team get as much fulfillment as we have had helping participants turn their lives around.”
Learn more about the 43rd District Court’s Hazel Park Division on their website.