Problem-Solving Courts (“PSC”) are a specific type of criminal court. PSCs focus on treating the illness or disability of the people involved.

PSCs generally focus on a single area of need, including:

• Drug-abuse in both minors and adults,
• Veterans,
• Driving under the influence (“DUI”), and
• Mental illness.

For defendants, a PSC program can be a good alternative to traditional sentencing and punishment.

PSCs are usually only available to people charged with nonviolent offenses. The court handling the case must agree to send the case to a PSC. PSCs are used instead of a normal sentence, like fines and jail time.

PSC Drug Treatment

The most common PSC provides addiction treatment services to help defendants with drug or alcohol related charges. PSCs help avoid detention.

For example, a person charged with felony possession of heroin could face a minimum of 13 years in prison. Instead, the court can order the person to go to a PSC and do 30 months of intense probation. This would include:

• Drug treatment,
• Frequent check-ins with program officials,
• Regular court appearances and drugs screens,
• Meetings with Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous, and
• Other methods the PSC thinks are needed.

For minors, the court may order electronic monitoring rather than detention. This monitoring would end on completing the program.

PSC Veteran Treatment

PSCs often work with veterans in the criminal justice system who may suffer from some combination of:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD);
• Other psychological disabilities;
• Or alcohol/drug abuse issues as a result of serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.

PSCs often collaborate with the Veterans’ Association, the Public Defender’s Office, and the community.

PSC Mental Health Treatment

PSCs sometimes focus on mental health treatment. Participants may be identified through standard mental health screening. They can also volunteer to participate in the treatment program.

Common Questions for participants:

How can I participate in a PSC as a [no-lexicon]defendant[/no-lexicon]?

Although it isn’t available to everyone, participation in a PSC can be handled in one of two ways:

• The defendant and their attorney can request an application to the PSC.
• The PSC can recommend participation based on mitigating circumstances.

Will a PSC decision still appear on my record?

Yes. In most cases, your record will still show an arrest or conviction even if you participate in a PSC. You may, however, receive a lighter sentence or have your charges dismissed if you successfully complete an agreed-upon PSC sentence. Once a PSC sentence has been completed, you can still seal your record after enough time has passed. You may also move the Court to vacate your sealable convictions. If the sealable convictions are vacated by the Court, then you can immediately request that the vacated convictions are expunged from your record.

Helpful Links:

For more information, please visit the Illinois Association of Problem-Solving Courts website. For a map of PSCs by county, visit the Illinois Probation website.