The Winnebago County Drug Court was established in 1996 to help rebuild the lives of individuals who are charged with felony offenses who have an underlying substance use disorder.  Drug Court represents the combined efforts of justice and treatment professionals in actively intervening and breaking the cycle of substance abuse and crime.  Drug Court participants undergo an intensive regimen of substance abuse treatment, case management, drug testing, supervision and monitoring, and immediate sanctions and incentives while regularly reporting to scheduled court hearings before a Judge presiding in the Drug Court program.  The overall benefit to individuals recovering from substance abuse problems are immeasurable, including but not limited to improving relationships with their families, increased self-esteem, better health and heightened likelihood for employment and educational success. 

The Illinois Drug Court Treatment Act provides statutory eligibility information.  Participants in the Drug Court have to willingly consent to participate and have a pending felony matter that is eligible by statute and programmatic eligibility.  Any holds for parole or other jurisdictions need to be resolved prior to referal. 

For more information about the Drug Court program, please review the Participant Handbook. 

Drug Court Participant Handbook

To refer an individual to the Drug Court program, complete the referral form below and return it to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

Drug Court Referral Form

For questions regarding referrals, please contact Catherine Dredge, Drug Court Coordinator at 815-319-4805 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..