Judge Mark Farrell and his work with Massachusetts to Develop Rehabilitative Gambling Courts in Massachusetts.
What is rehabilitative justice? In Massachusetts, those individuals facing drug and alcohol charges stemming from addictions have the opportunity to enter what is referred to as “Drug Court.” Under the supervision of Drug Court, individuals are given the opportunity to reduce their sentences and address their issues of addiction through the Court process. It is an approach that attempts to address the criminal behavior at it’s root and prevent future criminal activity by treating the problem – addiction.
As Massachusetts welcomes casinos to our state, we also welcome the criminal activity stemming from gambling addictions. Gambling Court allows the Court system to address gambling associated violations by accepting gambling as an addiction and treating it as such. Judge Mark Farrell from Amherst, NY was the first Judge to address gambling as an addiction. Judge Mark Farrell now works with the Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling to address those crimes committed in furtherance of a serious gambling addiction.
WNY gambling court is only one in world thanks to Judge Mark Farrell
AMHERST, N.Y. (WIVB) – Western New York sports the only Gambling Court in the world, which was created in Amherst. On Tuesday, our camera was allowed a rare inside look.
Amherst Town Judge Mark Farrell has about 30 gambling addicts enrolled in the first and only Gambling Court.
Recovering addict “Jane Doe” said, “They are the best people. They treat you so fair.”
Jane Doe, whose name we are concealing, was referred to this therapeutic court from another town, after she hit rock bottom last year and stole from an elderly woman she was caring for just to feed her habit for casino gambling.
“And when the detective called me I was relieved. I told him. Because it was just a relief to have it done and over with,” Doe said.
Judge Farrell added, “They really are suffering from an addiction.”
The judge started this specialized court 11 years ago. With only one casino across the border, he was already noticing more theft cases in Amherst driven by gambling addictions.
“It’s been an education,” Judge Farrell explained. “It’s been a real trip, so to speak, from the standpoint of learning a little bit about the compulsions for gaming and how misunderstood and much of a lack of understanding completely there is about gaming in society.”
This court makes a point of understanding the root of the problem.
“You have a right to feel very proud of yourself for what you’ve done, because you’re building a future,” said Judge Farrell.
Doe added, “I actually do…for a change. I’m ready to do it on my own and I question myself. I mean, I’ve thought about the casino, but I let the thought come and go. I let it leave quickly because it’s not worth it, my life is back on track. It’s good.”
Jane Doe graduates from this program in July. Los Angeles and Seattle are now developing their own courts using the Amherst court as a model.
http://www.wivb.com/dpp/news/erie/wny-gambling-court-is-only-one-in-world
Contact Criminal Defense Attorney Kristen Bonavita to get immediate help at 978-376-6746