FAQs

Since its inception in 2005, STAR has worked with more than 100 participants and has successfully graduated 45 individuals...

STAR has a 3-phase structure. Participants “phase up” based on their performance in the program, including participating in substance abuse and/or mental health treatment; attending court sessions and self-help meetings...

All STAR participant treatments plans are individualized based on the participant’s specific needs...

As a STAR participant, you will be expected to attend weekly STAR court sessions, remain in contact with probation and, perhaps most importantly, you must make every effort to remain clean and sober.  In addition to random drug testing, you are expected to engage in some form of drug treatment or therapy, attend at least three 12-Step meetings per week such as AA or NA, secure a sponsor, and seek employment or educational opportunities.  At least once a month, the entire STAR program also participates […]..

No.  In order to participate in STAR, you will need to resolve any pending violations with your sentencing judge before you begin our program.  However, you may want to apply to STAR and observe court sessions before any violation hearing or before your sentencing hearing for a violation so that your judge may take this into consideration when determining what sanctions, if any, you should serve before commencing STAR. To observe STAR, contact Joyce Delaney.  In Los Angeles, STAR meets the first two Thursdays of […]..

The STAR-LA team is comprised of United States District Judge, Otis D. Wright, II, and United States Magistrate Judge, Rozella A. Oliver; U.S. Probation Officers Kristie Rzonca, Susie Rodriguez, and Shane Williams; Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy Searight and Laura Alexander; FPD Collaborative Courts Chief Neha Chisterna and Deputy Federal Public Defender Deb Gonzalez, FPD MSW De Anna Dove, FPD Paralegal Joyce Delaney; and therapists Lance Daur and Tina Posey. The STAR-Riverside team is comprised of United States District Judge Kenly Kiya Kato, and United States […]..

You should discuss your decision with one of the assigned Deputy Federal Public Defender...