Eligibility Requirements

What are the eligibility requirements and referral sources?

The following eligibility requirements must be met for Drug Court participation, subject to review and approval by the East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney:

  • Statutorily eligible under LSA-R.S. 13:5301-05

  • Non-violent drug-related felony (excluding DWI)

  • Resident of East Baton Rouge Parish or a surrounding Parish

  • Age 18 or older


In addition, potential participants must be:

Clinically diagnosed with a substance abuse disorder

Referral sources include:

  • Law Enforcement Agencies

  • Family Members

  • Attorneys

  • Judges

  • Defendants

  • Concerned Community Member

Forms to be completed by the Referring Attorney:

1.  Recovery Court Referral Form

2.  Plea Agreement

3.  Client Contract

4.  Waiver of Confidentiality


The referring attorney will complete the referral packet with his/her client and submit to Judge Donald Johnson’s office.   The ADA will review the file, defendant’s prior charges, and make a decision on whether to approve the defendant for Recovery Court. If recommended, the defendant will be evaluated by the recovery court staff to determine if the defendant is clinically appropriate for treatment.  

If clinically appropriate for the program, the defense attorney will be notified that his/her client is approved for recovery court treatment and will be set on the docket in the Recovery Court Section to plead into recovery court.  

​If you have questions regarding the referral documents, contact Kenyetta Francis, Administrative Assistant.