Minnesota Specialty Courts

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Minnesota Specialty Courts

Minnesota Specialty Courts is a subdivision of the Minnesota criminal justice system focused on alternatives to incarceration. They are tasked with managing qualifying cases that include nonviolent crimes, charges related to chemical dependence or mental health crisis, and veteran's affairs. Treatment Courts, also known as drug courts, utilize an alternative to incarceration for individuals with chemical dependence who work with community stakeholders in the justice system. Through this approach, the court works in conjunction with prosecutors, defense attorneys, supervising officers, social workers, and other justice system partners to identify a plan of action that support the individual through completion of a treatment program and help them maintain sobriety long term.  Alternative sentences may involve required drug testing, participation in assigned treatment programs, and continual check-ins with supervising officers. Minnesota Specialty Courts also consider treatment services for individuals who commit crimes as a result of mental health crisis or untreated conditions.

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