The Sonoma County Courts have already in place Drug Court, which is in and of itself, an innovation. However, starting in February 2008, the Sonoma County Superior Courts will oversee DUI (DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE) COURT in cooperation and in collaboration with the District Attorney’s Office, the Public Defender’s Office, Probation and with input from the Private Criminal Defense Bar, including Mr. Fiumara.

DUI Court
This “new” Court, in Department 15, will focus on treatment verses punishment with the goal that it will reduce the recidivism rate. The concept, DUI COURT, was first introduced in Orange County, California and has been operable for a few years with good results according to Sonoma County District Attorney Stephan Passalacqua who I interviewed for this article. This Court’s goal is to offer treatment alternatives while de-emphasizing actual jail time. This is only a pilot program and may not become a permanent part of the landscape but it is something that you should be mindful of when you speak to your attorney. Mr. Fiumara already has a few clients (in February 2008) beginning the program.