ST. CLAIR SHORES — In St. Clair Shores, the 40th District Court offers a drug court program to help prior offenders leave substances behind and change their lives.

The program was started by Judge Mark Fratarcangeli 12 years ago. Participants attend the program for 18 months with probation for a maximum of two years in the district court.

Fratarcangeli said the journey starts for participants when an attorney or a judge makes a referral for a treatment court after a criminal action. There are multiple courts throughout Macomb County that deal with offenders charged with drug- and alcohol-related offenses.

Fratarcangeli said he saw the need for a treatment program in St. Clair Shores around 15 years ago. He saw the benefits of the court while filling in for a judge at the 37th District C

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