Criminal Justice Section

Two drug courts in the state recently honored their 100th graduate. In Chattanooga, 46-year-old Jonas Richardson Jr. became the Hamilton County Drug Court’s 100th graduate after working on his recovery for two years. Richardson, who had been arrested at least 96 times and was long addicted to crack cocaine, was one of six to graduate. The Times Free Press reports that Criminal Court Judge Rebecca Stern took a moment to tell Richardson's story to the crowd and confess her initial doubts. "Thankfully I was wrong about that," she said. In addition, the 23rd Judicial District Drug Court in Charlotte recently honored its 100th graduate. A packed courtroom watched as Judge Robert Burch presented a certificate and plaque to Ashley Lloyd, who thanked those in attendance for being her family for the past two years and showing her that a much better life and future exists. The Leaf Chronicle has more.