Las Vegas judge honored for program encouraging sobriety

A Las Vegas judge has been recognized by the Foundation for Recovery for his work with a Habitual Offender Prevention and Education court.

Municipal Judge Cedric Kerns received the organization's 2009 Community Partner Award during a benefit Saturday at the Canyon Gate Country Club.

Officials with the nonprofit charity credit Kerns with being extraordinarily supportive of addiction recovery and 12-step programs throughout the Las Vegas area. HOPE Court began in 2005 to encourage sobriety and self-sufficiency for habitual offenders, and to direct them into alternative programs to avoid jail and prison.

The Las Vegas Municipal Court program incorporates alternative sentencing and education, substance abuse treatment, transitional living, and vocational training to break links between substance abuse and criminal behavior.