The mission of the Alexandria Recovery Court (ARC) is to support individuals in achieving recovery and to thereby enhance public safety by reducing recidivism. ARC’s goals are achieved by providing treatment and ancillary services to offending citizens, utilizing a holistic and collaborative approach with the goal of participants becoming law-abiding, healthy, and productive members of the Alexandria community.

The Alexandria Recovery Court (ARC) exemplifies a model of citywide collaboration, bringing together a diverse array of agencies to support its mission. Key partners include, but are not limited to, the Alexandria Sheriff’s Office, Alexandria Pre-Trial Services and Local Probation (ACJS), the Office of the Public Defender, the Circuit Court, the Alexandria Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS), the Office of Probation & Parole (P&P), the Alexandria Police Department, the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney, and the City Manager’s Office.

As an alternative to incarceration, ARC goes beyond traditional probation by offering a structured, treatment-focused approach that integrates rehabilitation with accountability. Through intensive supervision, community collaboration, and evidence-based strategies, ARC works to break the cycle of addiction and criminal behavior, fostering long-term recovery and improving public safety.

Eligible participants are typically identified early in the legal process, often by their defense counsel, and must meet specific offense and substance use disorder criteria. Once identified, the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney (OCA) evaluates eligibility, consults with relevant stakeholders, and determines the appropriate legal outcome upon successful completion of the program.

The program is managed by a Recovery Court Program Coordinator and is funded through state and federal grants. Regular staff meetings ensure continuous evaluation of participant progress, facilitate discussions about program changes and policies, and support ongoing improvements to the program.

The Alexandria Recovery Court (ARC) is designed for adults charged with a non-violent felony offense who have been diagnosed with a moderate to severe substance use disorder. Participants in the program receive more intensive supervision and treatment than what is provided under standard probation, ensuring a structured path toward recovery.

ARC utilizes a system of immediate sanctions and rewards, holding participants accountable for their actions while reinforcing positive behavior. The program consists of five phases, each with specific requirements to support sobriety, community reintegration, and long-term recovery.

Through collaboration with various city agencies, ARC offers comprehensive wrap-around services that address critical needs such as homelessness, unemployment, medical care, and education, ultimately fostering stability and reducing recidivism.

A potential participant is typically identified by their defense counsel shortly after being charged with an eligible offense. Eligible offenses include felony probation violations, felony narcotics possession, prescription fraud, assault on law enforcement, and felony property crimes linked to substance use disorder—either committed under the influence or in an attempt to obtain narcotics. Additionally, individuals charged with distribution or possession with intent to distribute may qualify if their case meets weight limits and there is no evidence of profit from the offense.

Once identified, the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney (OCA) assesses the case to:
a) Verify the offender's eligibility,
b) Consult with any victims and/or the arresting officer as necessary, and
c) Determine an appropriate proposed disposition upon successful program completion.

Participants who would otherwise face lengthy incarceration may receive a fully suspended sentence, and in some cases, the charge may be dismissed upon graduation. Once OCA confirms eligibility, the offender is referred to DCHS for a clinical assessment.

Upon DCHS’s approval, the OCA prosecutor takes over the case and collaborates with defense counsel to schedule it on the next ARC docket. The offender then enters a guilty or no contest plea and officially begins the program.

Program Requirements

A participant’s typical week includes:

• At least one individual session with a therapist
• Participation in MATRIX, a relapse prevention group
• Attendance at three or more recovery support groups (e.g., NA/AA/CA)
• Two to three random drug screenings
• Weekly ARC docket attendance
• Compliance with a 9:00 p.m. curfew
• Regular check-ins with a probation officer

Program requirements adjust as participants advance through the five phases.

Weekly Court Review

Every Thursday at 1:00 p.m., the ARC team—including a judge, the OCA prosecutor, defense attorney, therapist, police officer, the ARC Program Coordinator and probation officer—meets in Judge’s Chambers to review each participant’s compliance. Following this review, cases are called in the courtroom, where the judge engages directly with participants about their progress.

Depending on their performance, participants may receive:

• Sanctions, such as verbal reprimands, flash incarceration, community service, or an earlier curfew
• Incentives, including verbal praise, increased privileges, certificates, or gift cards

Program Completion & Consequences for Non-Compliance

Graduation from ARC requires completing all five phases, a process that takes a minimum of 18 to 24 months. Participants who fail to comply with program requirements may be terminated, at which point their case immediately proceeds to sentencing.

To enhance justice and safety in the City of Alexandria, our office prioritizes diverting low-risk individuals from the criminal justice system. By addressing the root causes of criminal behavior, we reduce the likelihood of reoffending, ultimately contributing to greater community safety and improving the lives of those involved.

The Office of the Commonwealth's Attorney (OCA), in partnership with other community stakeholders, manages specialty dockets as alternative pathways. These dockets provide accountability and rehabilitation for individuals charged with specific non-violent crimes, offering them the support needed to reduce recidivism and achieve long-term positive outcomes.

How Does Diversion Help?

Diversion helps by offering alternative pathways to the traditional criminal justice system for individuals charged with non-violent offenses, particularly those facing substance use disorders, mental health conditions, or economic instability. Here's how diversion contributes to better outcomes:

• Addresses Root Causes: Diversion focuses on identifying and treating the underlying causes of criminal behavior—such as addiction, trauma, or mental health disorders—rather than simply punishing the crime. This holistic approach helps reduce recidivism and breaks the cycle of crime.
• Reduces Overcrowding in the Justice System: By diverting low-risk individuals away from traditional incarceration, diversion programs ease the strain on prisons and jails, freeing up resources to address more serious offenses.
• Promotes Rehabilitation Over Incarceration: Diversion prioritizes rehabilitation rather than punishment, offering individuals the support and tools to rebuild their lives, instead of reinforcing negative behaviors through incarceration.
• Improves Public Safety: By addressing the root causes of criminal behavior, diversion reduces the likelihood of reoffending, contributing to safer communities in the long run.
• Supports Individuals in Need: Through diversion, individuals gain access to critical resources such as substance use treatment, mental health counseling, or job training, improving their overall quality of life and enabling self-sufficiency.
• Cost-Effective: Diverting low-risk individuals from incarceration to treatment or support services is often more cost-effective than traditional punitive measures, saving taxpayer dollars while ensuring accountability.
• Fosters Accountability: Diversion does not mean a lack of consequences. Participants in diversion programs remain accountable through structured supervision, treatment, and progress monitoring, ensuring they fulfill their commitment to positive change.

The Alexandria Recovery Court (ARC) Program Coordinator plays a critical role in overseeing the program’s operations and ensuring its effectiveness. Key responsibilities include:

• Convening the ARC Steering Committee and Advisory Committee as needed to guide program direction and policy decisions.
• Facilitating communication among Treatment Team members, including providing a weekly written summary of participant conduct and progress.
• Maintaining accurate data collection to track participant progress, conduct programmatic analysis, and identify challenges using evidence-based and root-cause methodologies.
• Developing forms and manuals to standardize procedures and improve program efficiency.
• Identifying and applying for grants and securing other financial resources to support program growth and sustainability.
• Engaging in regular training and collaborating with community partners to enhance program awareness and effectiveness.

If you have any questions or inquiries regarding the program, please contact Aishah Dukes at aishah.dukes@alexandriava.gov.