Photos: Drug court graduation

Mariann Avery of Tarzana spent 15 months in the drug court program before graduating. She described to the crowd how it changed her life. Watching is Judge Michael Tynan.

Mariann Avery of Tarzana spent 15 months in the drug court program before graduating. She described to the crowd how it changed her life. Watching is Judge Michael Tynan.   (Rick Loomis / Los Angeles Times)

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Drug court, long backed by legal experts as a cheaper and more effective alternative to prison sentences for people with addictions, provides substance abuse treatment for defendants who admit guilt in low-level felony drug cases.

Judge's view

Judge Tynan gets choked up while speaking to the graduates. He thinks the graduating group of 18 will be the last big one because of Proposition 47.   (Rick Loomis / Los Angeles Times)

Congratulations

Judge Tynan hugs a graduate.  (Rick Loomis / Los Angeles Times)

Saying it with roses

Roses, as well as certificates, were given out to the graduates.  (Rick Loomis / Los Angeles Times)