Sobriety Court Celebrates Changed Lives in Farmington Hills

Two area residents whose arrests for drunken driving landed them in 47th District Court Judge Marla Parker's courtroom celebrated with her May 29, as they marked completion of the Sobriety Court program. 

Jessica, whose last name is withheld to protect her privacy, said the diversion program got her into Alcoholics Anonymous and turned her life around.

"I wouldn't be the person I am today," she said. "Sobriety Court has been a blessing in disguise." 

John said he struggled with alcohol abuse for a long time, drinking after work, on weekends and camping trips. "For years, I just pretended that's what grown-ups do," he said. "For a lot of people, that's okay, but for me, it's not. I'm an alcoholic." 

After losing his career and his partner, John got caught drinking and driving, and said that was, "without a doubt, the best thing that ever happened to me." 

Those deemed eligible for the program have a .15 blood alcohol level or higher (the legal limit is .08) at the time of their arrest, a high score on an addiction assessment and a record of alcohol-related offenses. Their only alternative is jail time. 

Parker said participants each travel their own paths through the rigorous program; some sail through, others end up with sanctions that may include jail time. Sobriety Court requires alcohol testing (twice daily at first), two years of probation, individual and group treatment and follow-up care, community service, lapse prevention and life plans and much more. 

"Many of (the graduates) have done all this without a driver's license, at least part of the time," she added.

The program's success, Parker said, was reflected in the presence of many former graduates who showed up at Farmington Hills city hall to congratulate their new peers. 

Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Phyllis McMillen has presided over Sobriety Court since 2008. She told the graduates that getting through the program requires "a tremendous amount of perseverance and optimism". 

"There is life after Sobriety Court, and it's a challenge," she said. "But if you can do Sobriety Court, you can do anything."