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LASER Four-Phase Program

The LASER Docket is a court rehabilitative program for those defendants/offenders whose qualifying crimes are attributable to drug abuse and/or addiction. It is a collaborative effort among the United States District Court (USDC), United States Attorney's Office (USAO), United States Probation Office (USPO), and the Federal Defender's Office (FDO) aimed at transforming criminal defendants into law-abiding, sober, employed and responsible citizens.

The LASER Docket team, consisting of representatives of the USAO, USPO, defense attorneys, and the USDC, has determinated that participants should complete the program requirements in four (4) phases over a minimum of twelve (12) months. The requirements for successful completion of each phase are concrete, clear and universally  applicable. Each phase entails specific goals with a number of distinct, achievable expectations that are consistent with each stage of recovery. Successful participants will  gain an understanding of the process of addiction, recognize triggers and patterns of use and abuse, and appreciate the impact of addiction on themselves, their family, and society. Participants will accept responsibility for their conduct and acquire the necessary tools to achieve a sober, law-abiding lifestyle. Participants will be required to develop a community based sober support network and a comprehensive relapse prevention plan as a condition of graduation from the LASER Docket program.

Pre-Enrollment

Pre-Enrollment Period - Orientation

Each prospective participant is required to obtain an evaluation by a licensed alcohol and
drug abuse counselor (LADC) before admission to PHASE ONE. This evaluation is intended to
determine whether the prospective participant is stable enough to successfully engage in outpatient
treatment. An offender who is actively using illicit drugs, tests positive for the presence ofillicit
drugs, or refuses to participate in drug testing will require a greater level of intervention/support to
attain stability before admission to the LASER Docket program. The admission process is as
follows:

  • A referral is made by USAO, USPO, defense attorney, or Magistrate Judge;
  • An evaluation is completed by a LADC;
  • A referral report is completed by USPO (includes intake application, interview, and
  • home visit);
  • Team review to determine eligibility;
  • Attend/observe courtroom session;
  • Final acceptance into program by the United States Attorney (if pretrial defendant);
  • Agreement is executed.

Phase 1

Phase One - Limited Early Recovery (30 days)

Goals: The participant will abstain from drug and alcohol use, engage in treatment and stabilize in the appropriate level of treatment services. The participant develops an understanding of the process of addiction, begins to recognize triggers and patterns of use and abuse. The participant develops early recovery tools and a foundation of support for recovery.

Expectations:

  • Abstain from drug/alcohol use;
  • Obtain LADC evaluation to determine appropriate level of treatment;
  • Participate in treatment as directed;
  • Comply with rules and regulations of treatment;
  • Participate in the sweatpatch drug testing program if deemed appropriate by USPO;
  • Comply with supervision conditions, rules and regulations of LASER Docket program;
  • Weekly court appearance;
  • Minimum of one (I) USPO visit;
  • Remain law-abiding;
  • Maintain sobriety for no less than ten (10) consecutive days before transition to

Phase 2

Phase Two - Early Recovery (60 days)

Goals: The participant will demonstrate a commitment to living substance free by identifying and understanding the adverse consequences of drug and/or alcohol use. The participant will acknowledge responsibility for hislher conduct. The participant will enter a life skills, educational or employment program, or secure employment.

Expectations:

  • Abstain from drug/alcohol use;
  • Participate in mental health/substance abuse treatment as directed;
  • Comply with rules and regulations of treatment;
  • Participate in the sweatpatch drug testing program:
  • Comply with supervision conditions, rules and regulations of LASER Docket program;
  • Obtain assessment of life skills, education, employment, and financial status;
  • Make effort to obtain GED/vocational certificate (if applicable);
  • Weekly court appearance;
  • Minimum of one (1) USPO visit;
  • Demonstrate commitment to living substance free;
  • Remain law-abiding;
  • Maintain sobriety for no less than thirty (30) consecutive days before transition to

Phase 3

Phase Three - Healthy Decision Making (120 Days)

Goals: The participant will develop a community-based sober support network upon which to rely in making significant decisions and coping with stressors. The participant will complete a life skills, employment or educational program, or secure employment.

Expectations:

  • Abstain from drug/alcohol use;
  • Participate in mental health/substance abuse treatment as directed;
  • Comply with rules and regulations of treatment;
  • Advance in treatment;
  • Drug testing, USPO office visits and home visits decrease;
  • Comply with supervision conditions, rules and regulations ofLASER Docket program;
  • Participate in programs to address life skills, education and employment options;
  • Maintain/seek employment or continue education, as applicable;
  • Develop a monthly budget;
  • Perform community service unless employed full time;
  • Seek primary care physician;
  • Develop community-based sober support network;
  • Bi-weekly court appearance;
  • Minimum of one (1) USPO field visit;
  • Remain law-abiding;
  • Maintain sobriety for no less than seventy( 70) consecutive days before transition to

Phase 4

Phase Four - Relapse Prevention Planning/Maintenance (150 Days)

Goal: Develop a comprehensive relapse prevention and long-term recovery plan.
Expectations:

  • Abstain from drug/alcohol use;
  • Participate in mental health/substance abuse treatment as directed;
  • Comply with rules and regulations of treatment;
  • Comply with supervision conditions, rules and regulations of LASER Docket program;
  • Maintain employment or educational/vocational plan;
  • Engage in positive social leisure activities as sober adult;
  • Develop comprehensive relapse plan;
  • Complete and submit an approved relapse prevention plan;
  • Set long-term recovery goals;
  • Monthly court appearance;
  • Bi-weekly USPO visit (either office or field);
  • Remain law-abiding and responsible;
  • Plan for alumnus/a participation in LASER Docket program;
  • Maintain sobriety for entire 150 days (remain in PHASE FOUR unti1 150 consecutive days of sobriety).

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