NC S851

Allows district courts to supervise probation for defendants convicted in superior court who are assigned to drug treatment courts or therapeutic courts, with consent of the chief district court judge and senior resident superior court judge.

Defines "therapeutic court" as a court where criminal defendants participate in treatment and court sessions to address substance abuse and mental illness contributing to criminal activity, requiring written agreement between judges filed with the Administrative Office of the Courts.

Grants superior court exclusive jurisdiction over probation revocation hearings for drug treatment and therapeutic court cases, except district courts may conduct revocations if both the chief district court judge and senior resident superior court judge agree it serves justice.

Requires that probation modification or revocation proceedings in drug treatment and therapeutic court cases be held in the county where the drug treatment or therapeutic court is located.

Becomes effective October 1, 2009, and applies to probation judgments entered or deferred prosecution agreements executed on or after that date.