TREATMENT ACCOUNTABILITY COURT
What is Treatment Accountability Court?
TAC is a post-conviction accountability court that aims to prevent recidivism for those charged with crimes as a resulting from an underlying mental illness.
TAC allows individuals charged with either felony or misdemeanor offenses to address the mental health issues that brought them into contact with the criminal justice system through the use of medication management, group and individual therapy, drug and alcohol monitoring, and intensive case management.
Who is Eligible for TAC?
In order to qualify for entry into TAC, a defendant must:
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Have a diagnosed mental illness;
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Live in Cherokee County; and
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Have no prior or pending violent felony charges (regardless of disposition).
How does TAC generally work?
TAC is a four phased, 18-month (minimum) program.
Eligible defendants will plea to the charges against them and be ordered to complete TAC as part of their sentence. During the next 18-36 months, defendants will be supervised by the TAC team to ensure that they attend mental health and life-skills counseling, complete required drug and alcohol screening, and appear as required for TAC hearing—all with the goal of managing and treating their underlying mental health issue.
During the program, violations of program rules and/or sentence terms are dealt with using a graduated sanction matrix, which includes additional treatment, community service, and if needed, incarceration.
What should I do if I have questions about TAC?
All questions regarding TAC should be directed to Senior Assistant Solicitor-General Michelle Dissman. Her email address is [email protected].