Las Vegas Justice Court celebrates new graduates of Community Court program

The Las Vegas Justice Court celebrated the latest graduates of its Community Court Program during a commencement ceremony on Tuesday, Oct. 20, marking the conclusion of nine months of intensive rehabilitation, judicial oversight and personal accountability.

Held in Assembly Room 2342 on the second floor of the Regional Justice Center at 200 Lewis Ave., the afternoon ceremony brought together court officials, treatment providers, families and community members to honor participants completing their transition out of the misdemeanor court system.

The Community Court Program is designed to reduce recidivism and improve participants’ quality of life by pairing direct judicial monitoring of low-level misdemeanor offenders with wraparound social services. Working in partnership with nonprofit organizations, public agencies, healthcare providers and justice stakeholders, the program coordinates individualized substance use treatment, vocational training, educational opportunities, and medical and disability resources.

Chief Judge Melisa De La Garza, who oversees the specialty docket, commended the graduates and community partners for their collaborative dedication.

“Community Court represents the collaboration of many partners who are committed to helping individuals succeed while ensuring accountability,” De La Garza said. “This graduation is an opportunity to celebrate the progress of participants who are taking meaningful steps toward recovery, stability, and independence.”

To earn graduation, participants completed a minimum of nine months in the program and maintained verified sobriety, remaining alcohol- and drug-free for at least 60 consecutive days prior to completion. Each participant adhered to an individualized case plan that encompassed tiered substance use treatment, individual and group counseling, and frequent randomized drug and alcohol screenings.

Beyond addiction counseling, the court worked with participants to address the practical barriers that frequently contribute to housing instability and repeat justice involvement. Caseworkers assisted graduates in recovering vital identification records and establishing connections to routine medical, dental, vision and mental health services. The program also helped individuals secure stable housing, obtain employment, establish sound financial routines and rebuild family support systems.

The ceremony remained open to the public, highlighting the court’s broader restorative justice model aimed at returning stable, self-sufficient individuals to Southern Nevada communities.