Program Offers Alternative Sentencing for Drug Offenses

ABERDEEN, S.D. (AP) — Judges in the Aberdeen area have a new alternate sentencing option available for those who abuse drugs.

The Aberdeen American News reports that the Hawaii-based HOPE program is being used in Walworth, Campbell, Brown, Charles Mix, Tripp and Gregory counties.

5th Judicial Circuit Presiding Judge Scott Myren says officials were looking for a program that could be used without taxing courts with limited resources.

Myren says the program uses an enhanced level of supervision requiring more testing. Those convicted of drug offenses must complete the requirements of the HOPE program in lieu of prison time. The program allows participants to keep their jobs and maintain their relationships with family.

Walworth County was a pilot county for the program, which is an acronym for Hawaii Opportunity for Probation Enforcement.

Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.