Courts We Serve
SOBER Court
SOBER Court
The Saving Ourselves by Education and Recovery (SOBER) DWI Court is designed for use by the County Criminal Courts of Harris County as a sentencing alternative to incarceration. This program involves collaboration with other criminal justice stakeholders working together with the common goals of changing the client’s behavior and effecting a reduction in DWI recidivism by identifying and addressing the root cause(s) of the problem of abuse.
SOBER Court is a judicially monitored program of treatment and intensive community supervision within the Harris County Criminal Justice System. SOBER Court is an intervention program for high-risk DWI offenders arrested in Harris County. The amount of time the client spends in the program ranges from nine to 16 months. The program is voluntary and is the client’s personal choice. The Sober Court Team will be present to guide and assist the client, but the final responsibility is the client’s. One must learn and be motivated to make this change and commit to a sober and crime-free life.
Program Needs
- Transitional and emergency housing to ensure program participants have a safe and stable place to stay that is supportive of mental health, sobriety and living a crime-free life.
- Alcohol monitoring devices to effectively monitor participants who are required to abstain from alcohol, limiting risks to the community and supporting successful program outcomes.
- Access to targeted therapies to help heal and empower those affected by grief and trauma.
- Public transportation assistance to help participants overcome some of the basic barriers to access to care and court requirements.
Real Stories, Real Impact
Justice Forward has been an important part of my recovery journey. While I was in the drug court program, they provided financial support for me to attend grief counseling after the tragic murder of my 13-year-old daughter. After graduating, they also funded my Peer Recovery Specialist training, which led to my current employment as a Recovery Coach. Because of their support and financial assistance, I have found peace and helped others on their own paths to recovery.
- Connie Taylor
Justice Forward has helped me tremendously in my recovery journey. I’m now able to be a mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and great-aunt. I’m so grateful that I was able to get my life back on track without a recurrence of use. Justice Forward paid for my training as a peer support specialist. I have been drug-free for sixteen years and will celebrate my 17 years on April 23rd, 2025. What a joy it has been to give back to the community that gave me a new way of life.
- Jannica Smith
Justice Forward was my only real support system when I had none. They've paid for housing, treatment, therapy and most of all showed me that they truly care. I'm 3.5 years sober and wouldn't dream of letting them down by not paying it forward!
- James White
I'm so grateful to Justice Forward for their sincere assistance in helping me accomplish my dream of becoming a certified electrician. This opportunity allowed me to see something I never even knew about myself--that I can achieve anything if I wholeheartedly want it.
- Floyd Shorts
"Justice Forward has been instrumental in my journey, helping me achieve both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Their generous grants and encouragement have allowed me to grow personally and professionally. I’ve had the chance to share my story, speak at their events, and become a dedicated therapist in addiction medicine. Thanks to their support, I can now give back to the community and assist others on their healing journeys. I am truly grateful for their impact on my life."
- Monica Golla
