Anti-Recidivism Court helps reform young offenders

A program created by the DeKalb County district attorney’s office that gives young criminal offenders a second chance was recently honored by county commissioners.

The Anti-Recidivism Court, created by District Attorney Robert James in December 2011, requires participants between the ages of 17 and 25 to report for probation, perform community service, undergo random reporting, report to monthly compliance hearings, abide by curfew and electronic monitoring, and attend behavior modification classes.

James said the program provides life skills training and strict guidelines, giving those who complete the requirements a way to have their cases dismissed while making them less likely to commit crimes again.