4th Judicial District Recovery Court Honors Seven Graduates in Heartfelt Ceremony

Colorado Springs, Colo - The 4th Judicial District Recovery Court is proud to announce the graduation of seven participants from its rigorous and transformative problem-solving court program. The ceremony will be held on Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the Jury Assembly Room (W113) at the El Paso County Courthouse, 270 S. Tejon St., Colorado Springs, CO 80903.

Presiding over the ceremony will be the Honorable Magistrate Gregory K. Duncan, long recognized for his compassionate leadership and commitment to both rehabilitation and public safety. 

“Graduation from Recovery Court is not the end of a journey, but the turning of a page toward a new beginning,” said Magistrate Duncan. “The seven graduates we honor this trimester have demonstrated that progress is not measured by flawless steps, but by the resilience to rise after setbacks and the resolve to keep moving forward. Their perseverance and dignity stand as a testament to the power of accountability, community, and hope. This Court is proud to have walked alongside them, bearing witness to their growth and their strength. As they step into this next chapter, their determination will continue to shape lives beyond their own.”

The 4th Judicial District Recovery Court has become a proven alternative to prison in El Paso and Teller counties, offering participants a structured path built on accountability, treatment, and meaningful change.

Grounded in evidence-based practice, the program addresses the root causes of criminal behavior rather than punishing the symptoms. Participants receive services that include any necessary treatment, close judicial supervision, housing support, vocational training, and behavioral health care.

Problem-solving courts have a significant impact on reducing recidivism. At its core, Recovery Court demonstrates that public safety and rehabilitation are not competing goals, but rather shared outcomes of a justice system that invests in people and their capacity for change.

Rob Burrs and Rita Reyes, Recovery Court Coordinators, reflected on the milestone, stating, “We are honored to celebrate the graduates and their remarkable progress. Their resilience and commitment reflect a powerful beginning to a new chapter filled with stability, purpose, and hope. We commend their growth and look forward to the many ways their lives will continue to positively impact their families and community.” 

The media are invited to attend. The use of cameras must be approved in advance, and all people being photographed must give their consent to be photographed. Please contact Rob Burrs, Recovery Court Program Manager, at 719-452-5209 or robert.burrs@judicial.state.co.us if you plan to attend. 

###