Like the rural county roads they can often be found riding their motorcycles on, the roads to recovery for Blake Hansen and Daniel “DJ” Miller were winding.
For the latest graduates of the Lewis County Drug Court program, it’s a trip that brought the pair together to face the roadblocks and obstacles that come along the route.
For Hansen, the journey started on June 22, 2022, and included substance use violations, inpatient treatment and relapse. Meanwhile, Miller, who faced eligibility questions, went on the run soon after joining on Aug. 1, 2022, later turning himself in.
When they approached a fork in the road earlier this year, they did so together, much like the rest of the program.
“In mid-August, you came to court, you and DJ came to court, and you had an essay to read,” Lewis County Superior Court Judge J. Andrew Toynbee said to Hansen on Tuesday. “Well, I didn’t assign you an essay.”
In the program for over a year, the pair were pulled over while on a motorcycle Hansen did not have an endorsement for. While life doesn’t come with a roadmap, Miller and Hansen knew how to get on the right path following the detour.
“You knew what to do. You knew how to do the next right thing,” Toynbee said. “You came to court prepared to be accountable, and you knew what would probably happen, and so you wrote an essay, and you read the essay in court, without any of us telling you what to do.”
Surrounded by roughly 100 friends, family members, past graduates, sponsors, staff members and other community members, Hansen and Miller marked the latest chapter on the road to recovery Tuesday, officially graduating from the program during a special meeting at the Lewis County Commissioners meeting in Chehalis.
Drug Court is a voluntary program for those struggling with addiction and charged with a felony. The program typically lasts between 16 and 22 months. Successful graduates have their criminal charges dismissed.
The audience included the program’s newest member, who joined Monday and was released from custody Tuesday morning. Toynbee said the man came straight to the ceremony following his release.
“I hope you close your eyes and see yourself up here someday. That’s what we all hope for you,” Toynbee said. “Show up, be honest, do your best.”
If convicted, Miller faced 60 to 120 months in prison, while Hansen faced 33 to 43 months. On Tuesday, they watched as Toynbee signed an order formally dismissing the charges with prejudice.
“Can I get a copy of that,” Hansen joked as Tonybee handed the paperwork to the court clerk.
It’s a milestone the pair, who bonded while in the program, requested be celebrated together.
“When I’ve seen this in the past, it’s been a recipe for success,” Toynbee said. “So it’s nice when people find other people to help them be accountable, hold them accountable.”
In his remarks to the audience, Hansen recalled his first meeting with Caitlin Rogers, an outreach worker and former program member, who told him he would run.
“I was like man, this is how we’re starting the program off, first day,” Hansen said. “And yeah, I ran. It’s been hard.”
Hansen obtained a driver's license and insurance while in the program, milestones Toynbee considers significant to be responsible members of society. He also began reunification with his daughter, got married and started and graduated from barber school.
During the program, Miller continued to work, and he plans to join a union, stay sober and buy a house.
“I’m just thankful for all of the Drug Court staff and the judge, for all of the support and the opportunity,” Miller said. “I have a huge support system between friends and family, and that makes a big difference.”
Like each Drug Court graduation, the ceremony included the presentation of handcrafted signs from foundation member Bob Cosser, with a unique word that symbolizes the pair's time in the program. Out of the 200 graduates, the court has never repeated a word.
“It becomes very important, and really a centerpiece for our graduation,” Toynbee said.
For Miller, the word is “focused.”
“A lot goes into it, but nothing like the effort you put into it to earn it and sticking with it. That’s the whole idea behind it,” Cosser said. “You earned that word, and you are focused.”
Hansen’s word was “regenerate.”
“I hope you enjoy it. Get it up on the wall, and let that be your reminder that there’s plenty of days in front of you, and they can all be successful,” Cosser said.
During the ceremony, Cosser and his wife, Jan, received a life-changing award on behalf of the Lewis County Drug Court.
“This program is all about changing lives, and the participants have agency in that. They really are the ones who determine where they’re going with this program,” Toynbee said. “But there’s other people who aren’t strictly part of our team who are part of the changing of lives.”
In addition to the dismissal of charges, the sign, a gift card and a medal to mark the achievement, Miller and Hansen received one final gift for their completion of the program.
“This has become, kind of, the trophy of Drug Court. You earn the privilege to wear this,” Toynbee said, holding a T-shirt with the phrase “breaking the chain of addiction.”
“It really is the coveted prize of those who graduate from this program. Only graduates wear this,” Toynbee said.
