BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) — Ten months after California voters approved Proposition 36, a Bakersfield man has become the first in Kern County to graduate from the new drug treatment court program, resulting in the dismissal of his felony charges.

Luis Miguel Torres, who had multiple prior drug convictions, entered the program in January after pleading no contest to felony drug possession with priors. On Thursday, a Kern County judge praised Torres for his progress, noting he attended 145 of 147 treatment sessions, completed 17 clean drug tests, and received positive evaluations from providers.

“This case is now dismissed because of your hard work, Mr. Torres, and from no other reason,” Judge David Zulfa told him. “Congratulations and good job.”

Since the law took effect in December, th

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