NCJ Number
144026
Date Published
1991
Length
19 pages
Annotation
The Circuit Court for Palm Beach County, Florida, explored the feasibility of adopting a Differentiated Case Management (DCM) system for criminal cases, particularly those related to drug law offenses. DCM is predicated on the recognition that cases should be processed through the court system at different paces and that appropriate pathways should be created to expedite simpler cases while devoting more judicial supervision and case processing time to complex cases.
Abstract
Observations of the current situation showed that the court system was hindered by problems of delay and lack of adequate information to manage and monitor the criminal case process. There was a clear need for early intervention and treatment of defendants as well as a comprehensive program of pretrial services. The court decided to explore the utility of a pretrial diversion program and a pilot program to test out a DCM system. As a result of the study, the court was urged to set disposition goals for criminal cases, determine the criteria for differentiating among criminal cases, appoint a judge to supervise the DCM program, and develop benchmark data to assess the impact of the pilot program. Other recommendations included coordinating provision of pretrial and postdisposition treatment and supervision services, appointing counsel at the suspect's first appearance, developing a comprehensive pretrial services program, hiring a case manager to coordinate the movement of criminal cases from filing to disposition, and developing a permanent automated criminal justice information system.