The Preston County Drug Court opened April 20. The Southeastern Regional Drug Court opened on April 1 to serve Greenbrier and Pocahontas Counties. The Monongalia County Drug Court opened February 27.

Adult drug courts in West Virginia may serve those who have been charged with non-violent misdemeanor or felony offenses, pled guilty or been found guilty of non-violent misdemeanors and felonies and who were motivated to commit those crimes due to a substance abuse addiction, or are probation violators due to substance abuse or addiction.

Most West Virginia drug courts are operating as post plea and probation violation drug courts. People can volunteer for the programs to reduce or avoid jail and prison sentences, if a judge so orders. Prosecutors must approve referrals made to the drug courts, and all participants must be evaluated as a low to moderate risk to be released back into the community. People who have been charged with sex crimes or crimes in which a child was the victim are not eligible. Participants undergo substance abuse treatment and are heavily supervised by probation officers, law enforcement, and the drug court. If needed, they may also undergo treatment for mental illnesses. Participants may be forced to repeat certain phases of the program if they have positive drug screens or if they refuse to cooperate. The judge may impose jail time if he or she feels it is therapeutically necessary to make a participant follow the protocol and be successful in drug court.