Adult Treatment & Recovery Courts

The Maine Treatment & Recovery Courts are specialty dockets for eligible individuals whose involvement with the criminal justice system is driven by a substance use disorder.

These programs combine judicial supervision, treatment, and accountability to support long-term recovery, improve public safety, and reduce recidivism. Participation is voluntary and requires a plea agreement and acceptance of responsibility.

How the Program Works

Adult Treatment & Recovery Courts are structured, team-based court programs that help eligible participants address substance use and related behaviors that contribute to criminal justice involvement.
Participants work closely with a multidisciplinary treatment court team and may be required to:

  • Appear regularly before the presiding judge
  • Meet with a case manager and supervision staff
  • Participate in treatment and recovery support services
  • Submit to frequent, random, and observed drug and alcohol testing
  • Comply with program rules, court orders, and supervision requirements
  • Work toward recovery, stability, and accountability in the community

The program uses a combination of treatment, supervision, incentives, and graduated responses to help participants make progress and remain engaged.

Who May Be Eligible

Eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis.
In general, Adult Treatment & Recovery Courts are intended for individuals who:

  • Are 18 years of age or older
  • Have a substance use disorder
  • Are involved in a criminal case or probation matter
  • Are assessed as high-risk and high-need for recidivism
  • Are unlikely to succeed on traditional supervision without structured intervention

Not every person who applies will be admitted.

How to Apply

A Treatment Court Referral Form (CR-234) may be submitted by:

  • The defendant
  • A defense attorney
  • A probation officer
  • A family member
  • A treatment provider
  • Another interested person or professional

A referral may be submitted at any stage of a criminal case.
After a referral is submitted:

  • The applicant is screened for legal and clinical eligibility.
  • The treatment court team reviews the available information.
  • If appropriate, the applicant may be offered admission through a plea agreement and court approval.

Entry into the program is voluntary.

Before Admission

Before final admission, the applicant must:

  • Review the program requirements with legal counsel
  • Understand the legal consequences of participation
  • Review and sign required court and program documents
  • Agree to treatment court conditions and information-sharing requirements permitted by law

Participation in an Adult Treatment & Recovery Court requires a significant time commitment and active engagement in treatment, supervision, and recovery.

Program Requirements

Participants should expect a structured and demanding program.
Requirements may include:

  • Regular court appearances
  • Frequent meetings with case management and supervision staff
  • Substance use treatment and recovery support services
  • Drug and alcohol testing
  • Compliance with supervision conditions
  • Participation in employment, education, or approved community service
  • Compliance with treatment and medication expectations established by the court and treatment team

Participants move through multiple phases of the program over time. As participants make progress and demonstrate stability, some requirements may change.

Substance Use During Participation

Participants are expected to comply with all program requirements regarding alcohol, controlled substances, prescribed medications, and other substance use during participation in the program.
Program responses to substance use are addressed in accordance with court policies, treatment recommendations, applicable law, and the participant’s stage of progress in the program.
Questions involving prescribed medications or medical marijuana are addressed on a case-by-case basis in accordance with program policies, applicable law, and clinical and legal considerations.

If an Applicant Is Not Admitted

Because Adult Treatment & Recovery Courts are intensive programs with limited capacity, not every applicant who may be eligible will be admitted.
Admission may be denied if:

  • The applicant does not meet legal or clinical criteria
  • The applicant is not appropriate for the program
  • Necessary services or program capacity are not available

If an applicant is not admitted, the case will continue through the regular court process unless another option is identified.

Where Adult Treatment & Recovery Courts Operate

County(ies) Served Court Locations
Androscoggin Androscoggin County Superior Court, Auburn
Aroostook Aroostook County Superior Court, Caribou
Cumberland Cumberland County Superior Court, Portland
Hancock Hancock County Superior Court, Ellsworth
Knox, Sagadahoc, Lincoln, and Waldo Knox County Superior Court, Rockland
Oxford and Franklin Oxford County Superior Court, South Paris
Penobscot and Piscataquis Penobscot Judicial Center, Bangor
York York Judicial Center, Biddeford
Washington Calais District Court and Washington County Superior Court, Machias

Program availability, referral practices, and service areas may vary. For questions about eligibility, referrals, or current program information, please review the information provided on these webpages, contact the court clerk, or use the contact information listed on the applicable court type page.

Important Program Information

Voluntary Participation
Participation is voluntary. However, once admitted, participants are expected to comply fully with court and program requirements.

Transportation and Attendance
Participants must be able to attend court, treatment, case management appointments, testing, and other required activities on a regular basis.

Forms and Resources

Contact

For questions about Adult Treatment & Recovery Courts:
Specialty Dockets & Grants Coordinator
Administrative Office of the Courts
Phone: (207) 213-2858
Email: specialtydockets@courts.maine.gov