The Department of Justice announced today that one-hundred communities across the country will receive approximately $??? to establish drug courts to deal with nonviolent offenders. The grants will help jurisdicitions to refer individuals to drug treatment and keep them from committing crimes to support drug habits, while freeing up prison space for more violent, dangerous offenders.

"I know from my own exprerience as the prosecutor in Dade County, Florida that drug courts can break the cycle of drug addiction and crime," said Attorney General Janet Reno. "There are nonviolent offenders out there imposing a burden on the criminal justice system and being menaces to their communities, who are a referral away from leading a drug-free life and becoming productive citizens."

The Department will make 57 grants to communities to help them plan drug courts.