The program uses elements of the December 1995 directive of the President, which called for pre-arraignment drug testing of arrestees in the Federal court system followed by routine drug testing as a condition of release. One of the approaches being evaluated in the District of Columbia is the use of immediate and graduated sanctions for positive drug tests or missed appointments. Felony drug defendants with drug abuse problems are ordered into twice-weekly drug testing as a condition of release. If they continue to test positive, they are encouraged to join the sanctions program. The judge makes clear that they will continue to be drug tested until sentencing and that they are unlikely to receive a probationary sentence if they are testing positive. Those who join the program experience a series of escalating consequences for violations. Preliminary data from the program reveal that most participants are in compliance with all program requirements; few reach the fourth or fifth level of sanctions. Although some defendants fail, unexpected and encouraging results have occurred. The initial results are promising; long-term effectiveness will undoubtedly depend on continued court pressure and aftercare.