AZ SB1205

Presiding judges in each Arizona county may establish drug court programs for drug-dependent defendants charged with probation-eligible offenses, and must notify all justices of the peace of such establishment.

Defendants are ineligible for drug court programs if they have been convicted of serious offenses, crimes under chapter 14, dangerous offenses, or previously completed/been terminated from drug court or drug diversion programs.

Upon guilty plea and successful probation completion, courts may dismiss proceedings for defendants convicted of drug possession, prescription drug possession, dangerous drug possession, narcotic drug possession, drug paraphernalia possession, or preparatory offenses to these crimes.

Defendants who violate probation conditions may have their drug court participation terminated and receive an adjudication of guilt with probation revoked, while those failing to fulfill probation terms shall receive an adjudication of guilt and sentencing as provided by law.

Changes the language in subsection C from "prior to" to "before" regarding when defendants may be admitted to drug court programs.