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Town Court /  Treatment Courts

Drug Court

Amherst Town Court opened their doors in 1996 to an alternative to incarceration program known as Drug Court. This program seeks to diminish substance abuse, crime and recidivism by a program of intense supervision, treatment and judicial monitoring of drug court participants. The program will attempt to end the cycle of drug dependence and abuse for the participant by providing a balance of therapeutic interventions, behavioral consequences and judicial accountability. This goal is accomplished but partnering with substance abuse counseling, self-help programs, mental health counseling, vocation/educational training, family involvement and linkage to ancillary services if needed. The ultimate goal is to end the criminal activity and the chemical dependency by giving the participants the necessary skills to understand the legal and judicial consequences of their behavior and to become productive members of the community.


Veterans Court

In 2009, Amherst Town Court opened Therapeutic Veterans Court that is designed as an alternative to incarceration for veterans of the armed forces who have outstanding legal charges. These participants are assessed for substance dependency & mental health issues and offered treatment to address the underlying issues that may be contributing to illegal behaviors. Our veterans are rewarded for healthy behaviors and there are consequences for unhealthy/ongoing illegal behaviors. Our veterans/families are also linked with community support programs.


Gambling Court

In 2001, Amherst Town Court opened a Therapeutic Gambling Treatment Court. This court was established to help participants who demonstrate gambling addiction symptoms. Participants are linked to gambling treatment agencies to address psychosocial issues to improve quality of life. These participants are also linked with community supports such as Gambling Anonymous meetings.


Domestic Violence Court

Domestic Violence is always about power and control. Amherst Town Court works both with the victims and perpetrators of domestic violence. We offer a therapeutic approach with offenders and link them with participating agencies for 26 weeks to deal with their issues. We hold the offender accountable and have them take responsibility for their behaviors. We have them look at the negative effects on the family, partner and themselves and apply alternative ways to settle conflict. The victims meet with a DV advocate from participating agencies to offer support and assistance with their situation.

About Amherst

The Town of Amherst was established in 1818 and celebrated its 200th Anniversary in 2018. The town has a geographical area of 53.6 square miles and a population of greater than 122,000.

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Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

The Town of Amherst ADA Coordinators are Robert McCarthy (Director of Human Resources) and Mark Berke (Commissioner of Buildings).

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The Town of Amherst takes great pride in providing useful, timely and accurate information through its official website. We encourage public participation in our website and ask that you provide your feedback to help us make our site even better. Contact the website administrator at toawebsite@amherst.ny.us.

Get in Touch

  • General Information:
    (716) 631-7000
  • Email:
    toainfo@amherst.ny.us
  • Address:
    Municipal Building (Town Hall)
  • 5583 Main Street
  • Williamsville, NY 14221