County Attorney Patricia Conway is committed to reducing crime in Rockingham County. The Rockingham County Attorney’s Office has been innovative in working collaboratively with other community agencies to offer specialty courts and diversion programs to offers non-violent offenders the services they need to reduce recidivism rates.
Drug Court
Drug Court targets high risk, high need offenders who are addicted to drugs or alcohol. National Statistics demonstrate that drug courts reduce recidivism rates. The Drug Court Team consists of a superior court judge, the County Attorney’s designee, a public defender, a probation officer, a correctional officer, a police officer, treatment providers and case managers.
Drug Court works to reduce crime in Rockingham County, save numerous lives and allow drug addicted individuals to become happy, stable, productive members of our community.
Veteran’s Court
Veteran’s court in Rockingham County began in 2016. Military and combat experience leaves many of our veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and/or Traumatic Brain Injury. Our Veterans’ Track requires regular court appearances and mandatory attendance at treatment sessions. A member of Veterans’ Affairs works with the Assistant County Attorney, the defense attorney and the Court to connect the veteran with local and state resources that the veteran has earned and is entitled to. This alternative to incarceration results in treating the underlying issue and ultimately reduces the likelihood that the veteran will commit another crime.
Mental Health Court
The Rockingham County Attorney’s Office oversees Mental Health Court through the Brentwood Circuit Court. This program targets defendants with mental health issues and requires a team approach. The team involves the circuit court judge, the Assistant County Attorney, a public defender and a treatment provider. Mental Health Court provides the participants with counseling and much needed structure. National statistics have also shown that Mental Health Courts reduce crime and recidivism.
Adult Felony Diversion
Adult Felony Diversion targets low risk, low need offenders. The County Attorney recommends this program for first time, non-violent felony level offenders. This program is for defendants who have had little to no contact with the criminal justice system. Essentially, this program gives low risk offenders a second chance. If the defendant agrees to enter Diversion, he/she will sign a contract agreeing to complete a number of tasks within a period of a year. For example, the participant may be required to complete counseling, write a letter of apology or complete community service. If the participant remains of good behavior and completes all of the tasks, the felony charge against him/her will be dismissed.
Early Case Resolution
Early Case Resolution is designed to identify cases that may be able to be resolved quickly ensuring that defendants take responsibility for their actions and the needs of the community are being met. A specialized team of Assistant County Attorneys and support staff work directly with defense attorneys to resolve cases efficiently and effectively, thus saving judicial and financial resources while providing closure to victims and the community.