(ANNAPOLIS, MD  May 24, 2004)—Maryland Court of Appeals Chief Judge Robert M. Bell will be the guest speaker for the Drug Treatment Court Commission’s ‘Maryland Drug Court Month’ reception, to be held Wednesday, May 26, 4-6 pm at the Miller Senate Office building in Annapolis. Chief Judge Bell will be joined in attendance by members of the Drug Treatment Court Commission (DTCC), judges, legislators, court officials, probation officers, staff from the Department of Juvenile Services, treatment providers, and drug court supporters. During the ceremony, DTCC members will receive proclamations from Maryland Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, and special awards will be presented to drug court teams. 

“This event marks the positive strides made by our adult and juvenile drug treatment courts—which are growing both in number and stature,” said Chief Judge Bell. “These court programs are providing a more effective means to help reduce the adverse impact of repeat drug offenders.”

With support from Judge Bell and DTCC, Governor Ehrlich proclaimed May to be “Maryland Drug Court Month.”  Drug court programs across the state will be holding graduation ceremonies, community service activities, and photo gallery exhibitions to celebrate the successes of participants and the contributions of their families as well as those of drug treatment court staff.

Maryland established its first drug court 10 years ago in Baltimore City.  The Commission was established in 2002.  To date, the Commission supports 12 active drug court programs and an additional 12 are in the planning stages.  For more information, visit http://www.courts.state.md.us/dtcc or call the DTCC office at 410/946-4908.
Refreshments will be served. Members of the media are invited to attend.  Cameras are welcome.