A second chance for drug addicts: How "Drug Court" is transforming lives



MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Lock them up and throw away the key! That's how some people would like to take care of those who break the law. But can some of Milwaukee County's criminals actually change?

In Milwaukee County's "Drug Court" -- criminals are actually let out of jail, and can get their charges dismissed!

"I was a hot mess really. I was in bad shape. It was so bad I didn't believe I'd ever get off of drugs. I had a problem with cocaine. I couldn't kick it," Leander Esser said.

Esser led a troubled life -- and a year-and-a-half ago, he wound up in the Milwaukee County Jail once again.

"When I went to jail I was ready to give up. Then that lawyer came and said 'I can help you,'" Esser said.

The lawyer told Esser there was a way to get him out of jail.

"He said, 'if you give me your word you'll at least try,'" Esser said.

Esser got an offer to go to Milwaukee County's Drug Treatment Court -- and eventually, have the charges against him dismissed.

In drug court, offenders go through a rigorous drug treatment program -- including counseling, regular court reviews, drug screenings three times a week, and case manager meetings several times a week.

"I hope everyone else can make it like I did. 27 years of doing drugs. They gave me a chance and I took it," Esser said.

"Locking them up isn't helping them and it's not really helping our community," Milwaukee County Judge Ellen Brostrom said.

Milwaukee County's Drug Treatment Court has been helping non-violent, drug addicted offenders for the past five years.

Now, it is facing dwindling funding -- and a dependence on federal grant money.

Fundraising efforts are underway to secure the court's future.

"This is a life-saving program actually. By the time they get into our program, they've resorted to stealing from family members, or retail thefts, burglarizing garages or houses, so they can get items to sell so that they can support their habit," Brostrom said.

For every dollar invested, the judge estimates taxpayers save from $3 to $24, and the recidivism rate is much lower than those who go through the traditional system of punishment.

"They are a fantastic return on investment for the taxpayer dollar. The people who are in the latter stages of their journey have jobs, stable housing," Brostrom said.

It is not an easy road, as can be seen when looking at those who are far from their graduation day.

On graduation day, a criminal defense attorney provides the entertainment as seven successful graduates, including Esser, receive diplomas.

"I'm really thrilled to have all of you here. Mr. Esser is an individual who has not just achieved sobriety, but the complete lifestyle overhaul that is necessary," Brostrom said at the graduation ceremony.

"I'm so happy to be off that stuff. If it weren't for this drug court, I'd still be out there or I'd be in prison or I'd be dead," Esser said.

Since Milwaukee County's Drug Court began in 2009, 334 people have been admitted to the program, and 100 have graduated.

Out of those graduates, 18 have gotten back in trouble -- but that means nearly 80% have stayed on course.