In December, the Flathead County District Court launched an adult drug court program—an option that is neither a shortcut through the justice system nor an easy alternative. Drug courts are structured, intensive, and demanding programs for individuals facing felony or misdemeanor drug charges whose criminal behavior is rooted in addiction. The goal is straightforward but challenging: reduce repeat offenses by treating substance use disorder instead of cycling people through jail.
As District Court Judge Danni Coffman explains, adult drug court provides “an alternative path for those who have struggled with breaking free from addiction by providing more resources and oversight than the traditional criminal justice path.” By addressing addiction directly, the program aims to reduce recidivism while lessening the harm drugs inflict on families and the broader community.
What Is an Adult Drug Court?
Adult drug courts are typically 18- to 24-month programs entered through a guilty plea agreement. Participation is voluntary, but expectations are strict.
Participants appear in court weekly and work closely with a multidisciplinary team that includes a district court judge, the county attorney, probation or parole officers, program coordinators, and mental health professionals. They undergo regular drug testing, attend weekly support groups, maintain employment, and develop practical life skills—everything from keeping medical appointments to applying for public assistance.
As coordinators often note, participants are either fully committed or not in the program at all. There is little middle ground.
Why Now?
When the 67th Montana Legislature approved funding for a fifth Flathead County District Court judge, lawmakers required the creation of an adult drug court as a condition of that funding. The mandate reflected a growing statewide recognition that traditional criminal justice approaches alone are not effectively addressing drug-related offenses.
Local data reinforces that concern. In 2025, the Northwest Montana Drug Task Force conducted 267 drug investigations and seized significant quantities of fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine. Judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement officials consistently report that substance use plays a role in the majority of cases before the court—even when charges involve theft, burglary, or assault.
Judge Coffman acknowledges that drug court is not a solution for everyone. “We know that not everyone will be successful in our program, and maybe it will take some people more than one try,” she said. Still, she believes it is an essential option. Statewide drug courts, she noted, have made “an appreciable impact on recidivism,” and she sees no reason Flathead County’s outcomes should differ.
“There is no easy solution to our drug crisis,” Coffman added. “But there is only one way to eat the elephant.” The court will track data closely to ensure resources are used effectively and adjust the program as needed.
A Program Years in the Making
Efforts to establish an adult drug court in Flathead County began in 2021 but stalled due to staffing and capacity constraints within the County Attorney’s Office, which manages a heavy caseload that includes serious violent crimes.
That changed after Judge Coffman took the bench in 2023. With many of her cases involving substance use, she renewed discussions with the County Attorney’s Office, emphasizing both the state mandate and the long-term benefits of addressing addiction within the justice system.
The program also holds personal significance for Coffman. She left private practice to pursue a more public-service-oriented career and to better serve the community. “Addiction took my own mother’s life when I was a young adult,” she shared, underscoring her understanding of addiction’s impact on families as well as individuals.
She also noted that the 11th Judicial District had been working toward this goal long before her appointment. “As the newest judge, I felt it important to try to bring it over the finish line.”
County Attorney Travis Ahner ultimately agreed to participate, allowing the court to move forward with a soft launch in December.
What the Data Shows
Adult drug courts are well established in Montana. As of 2023, more than half of the state’s judicial districts and counties operated either an adult drug court or a family treatment court.
According to a Montana Supreme Court report, approximately 80% of drug court participants between 2016 and 2018 did not reoffend within three years of leaving the program. Among those who completed and graduated, roughly 90% avoided new felony or misdemeanor convictions during that period.
Lincoln County launched its adult drug court in 2020 and has reported positive results, particularly through real-time accountability. Missed meetings, failed drug tests, or skipped check-ins result in immediate consequences, reinforcing responsibility while maintaining support.
Accountability With Support
Drug courts are sometimes misunderstood as lenient. In reality, they are often more demanding than traditional probation. Participants regularly face the court, account for their choices, and commit to sustained change over months or years.
The approach is not about public shaming. It focuses on honesty, structure, and accountability—paired with resources that help participants build stability, confidence, and direction.
Looking Ahead
The Flathead County Adult Drug Court is still in its early stages. Its success will depend on continued collaboration among the court, prosecutors, supervision officers, treatment providers, and community partners.
While no single program can solve addiction and crime, adult drug courts provide one more tool—centered on treatment, accountability, and long-term public safety—to address a challenge that touches nearly every part of the justice system.
As the program evolves, the court will continue evaluating outcomes and sharing information with the public about how it is working and who it is serving.