With the widespread problem of drug abuse, the judicial system is challenged to successfully keep substance-abusing offenders from returning on repeat charges. Drug courts were developed to lessen the burden on the criminal court system by managing drug-related offenses and reducing the number of repeat offenders through supervision, drug testing and the coordination of treatment services.

A successful drug court requires an accurate and reliable drug-testing program. Drug testing is the key to not only identifying substance abuse, but also to monitoring and measuring success of programs.

Beginning the Process: A Guide for Developing a Drug-Testing Program

Chain-of-Custody Procedures for Sample Collection and Handling

Drugs-of-Abuse Testing in the Criminal Justice System

Treatment-Based Drug Court: A Team Approach to Criminal Justice

Drug test results are consistently scrutinized. The U.S. Supreme Court has stated that urinalysis is an accurate and reliable drug testing procedure.

Drug Testing In A Drug Court Environment: Common Issues To Address

U.S. Supreme Court AMICUS Brief (6MB download)

Comprehensive Review of Court Decisions