COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Prostitution and drug abuse are both sometimes called victimless crimes.
Now, Franklin County is making history, kicking off specialty court dockets for solicitation and drugs.
The new, streamlined process could mean less or no jail time for certain felony drug cases.
It's expected to save millions of dollars, but is it a good idea in drug cases?
Billy is no stranger to the wrong side of the law. He said he's lied to get medication. Eventually, his lifestyle sent him to jail.
His story is familiar to thousands of people and costs at least that much in a court system revolving door.
"I would hate to think how much money they spent on me," Billy said.
The new plan is county and city supported -- financially supported to the tune of nearly $400,000 to get offenders into programs and court dates, but not jail cells.
"What about the people that will say you are being light on crime? Don't you expect to hear that?" NBC 4's Marcus Thorpe asked Judge Scott Vanderkarr, of Franklin County Municipal Court.
"Yes, there will be naysayers. I say, 'Is it working now?'" Vanderkarr said.
The offenders will be hand-picked by those working closest with them, depending on their background and story.
"How do you know if it's working or not working?" Thorpe asked.
"The same way I do with mental health court. Do I see changed lives?" Vanderkarr said.
While it's expected to save millions of dollars, it means a gamble on people who broke the law.
"It's hard to say what the number will be. (It's) never been done in the manner of which we are doing it. My model says I think it will work," Vanderkarr said.
The Fraternal Order of Police is on-board with the change, officials said, as long as officers' input on special cases is considered.
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