Denver officials this morning officially kicked off the city’s new drug court, an effort aimed at speeding cases through the justice system and providing treatment to offenders.

"Drug court is a division dedicated to handling unique issues presented by drug cases," said Denver District Court Chief Judge Larry Naves in a press conference.

About 40 percent of cases filed in Denver this year will be drug-related, Naves said, adding that such cases are backlogged because criminal defendants take precedence.

"We believe the earlier a defendant is in court, the greater chance of success," Naves said.

The drug court, which is funded by the city, will also help open space in the jails, said Mayor John Hickenlooper. The program is expected to free about 130 jail beds each day.

In the drug court, a magistrate will decide who can enter the program. People suspected of weapons violations, sexual or criminal offenses, or possession of a large amount of drugs will not be eligible..

The defendant allowed into the program will go on probation and will be required to undergo treatment and take random drug testing. Offenders who don't follow the rules will have increased supervision or could possibly face prison.

The Denver drug court started on March 9 after a five-year hiatus. Denver was one of the first cities to start a drug court in

1994. The program was slowly phased out.