Morris County assistant prosecutor honored as Recovery Court Hero for dedication to treatment program

MORRISTOWN, N.J. (Morris County) – Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Assistant Prosecutor Julian Lockett Hill Jr. has been named the Recovery Court Hero for Morris County at the statewide Recovery Court Education Conference, held Sept. 24 in Newark.

The event, hosted by the New Jersey Judiciary – Administrative Office of the Courts, recognized Hill for his unwavering dedication, hard work, and commitment to the success of the Morris County Recovery Court program and its participants. He is the longest-tenured member of the MCPO Recovery Court team.

Hill’s tireless efforts and compassionate approach have played a vital role in supporting individuals on their journey to recovery and in creating a lasting impact on the community, officials said. As part of the recognition, a Morris County program alumna addressed the conference and credited Hill’s dedication with saving her life.

Operating within the Superior Court, the Recovery Court program offers non-violent drug defendants treatment as an alternative to incarceration. Participants undergo a rigorous five-phase program that includes intensive probation supervision, frequent drug testing, and virtual court appearances. The model provides support while allowing supervisors to impose sanctions or reinstate proceedings if participants fail to comply. Graduates who successfully complete the program pay fines and restitution and may apply to have certain convictions expunged, helping them re-enter society without the stigma of a record.

Recovery Court, formerly known as Drug Court, was first launched in Camden and Essex counties in 1996 and expanded statewide in April 2002, when Morris and Sussex counties joined. In Morris County, graduations are typically held twice a year.

“Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll said, “The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office is proud of Assistant Prosecutor Hill’s well-earned honor. His outstanding leadership is a model for how members of the criminal justice system can enable those striving to truly change their lives for the better. Through his compassion and commitment to providing second chances, AP Hill has made a profound difference in the lives of program participants and their loved ones by fostering hope, accountability, and recovery.”