DRUG COURT Changing Lives And Giving Second Chances A Case At A Time
Reported by: Kennie Bass
Videographer: John Tincher
Web Producer: Kennie Bass
Reported: May. 17, 2012 6:09 PM EDT
EYEWITNESS ONLINE WEBCAST VIDEO C L I C K T O P L A Y
Charleston
, Kanawha County
, West Virginia
Dozens of bikers supporting the efforts of the country's drug courts visit Charleston spreading the message that there is an alternative to hard time for drug crimes.
It's the "All Rise: National Motorcyle Relay for Recovery, traveling all this month from California to Washington, D.C. Riders are visiting 25 Drug Courts in 24 days.
West Virginia has 28 drug courts for adults and juveniles, and six more are on the way.
Over the past three years, 28 people have graduated from Kanawha County's Drug Court with a second chance at life, including Melinda Chaplin of Clendenin.
Two Kanawha County participants are celebrating nine months of sobriety today. And three Drug Court moms have had drug-free babies. The newest one is just a month old. Ashley Jeffrey of Charleston is the proud...and sober...mother.
Supporters say drug courts are cheaper than jail, reduce crime and repeat offenders...and they help veterans adjust following their service. Kanawha County Judge Jennifer Bailey spearheads the effort here.
At each stop on their trip, the bikers hand off a gavel...which symbolizes unity and a commitment to the program. It will pass through each court, with a final stop in the nation's capital on May 24th.
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Kennie Bass
