Presiding Judge Alberto C. Lamorena III hosted the first virtual graduation for the Driving While Intoxicated Treatment Court participants. Six participants successfully completed the requirements of the treatment court and graduated today.
“I would like to commend Presiding Judge Lamorena and thank him for his continuing leadership with our specialty courts. He is the founder and pioneer and continues to be at the forefront of this very important alternative way of handling some of our critical cases,” said Chief Justice F. Philip Carbullido in his opening remarks.
He then commended the graduates by stating: “I want to commend you for staying with the program. I know how hard it has been to continue with the requirements of the program, and the fact that you are now before PJ Lamorena shows your commitment to try and turn your lives around.”
Piloted in 2010 and formally adopted by public law in 2018, the DWI Treatment Court Program works to reduce recidivism for medium and high-risk offenders, through the implementation of therapeutic treatment for addiction and rehabilitation.
“This court is meant to be an intervention in your life so that you could choose a better path. You were given a chance to not only save other people’s lives, but to save your own life. I know that sometimes it was discouraging, but this process made you realize that you needed help and it is going to serve you well in the future. Recovery is a lifelong journey, but because of this court, you have the tools to survive and prosper and I sincerely wish you well in your future,” said Lieutenant Governor Joshua Tenorio, who joined the virtual ceremony and gave inspiring remarks to the graduates.
Six graduating participants from the program successfully completed the requirements of the treatment court. The participants received a Certification of Completion, a Latte Stone symbolizing the new foundation of their life, a gold coin from the Guam Chamber of Commerce, and a treat from Presiding Judge Lamorena III.
In closing, Presiding Judge Lamorena left the graduates with some final remarks stating: “When you first made your commitment to join the Driving While Intoxicated Treatment Court, you committed your life to treatment for at least two years. I know it is a hard struggle to make that commitment because it required you to be drug tested, attend weekly meetings with your case manager, attend group therapy sessions, and sober support and self-help meetings. But I thank your families, friends, and employers for supporting you and helping you along the way. Your two-year journey ends today.”
##
