If you are charged with a drug crime, drug court may offer a way for you to regain freedom and control over your life while receiving substance abuse treatment. Drug court also keeps those charged from being incarcerated.
Not all drug offenders are eligible for drug court, however. The court serves mainly those whose criminal charges stemmed from substance abuse problems, usually involving methamphetamine. In other words, you are more likely to benefit from drug court if you are using drugs rather than selling them.
What happens in drug court?
Drug court emphasizes support over punishment. It is intended to reduce the likelihood that someone who committed a crime because of a substance abuse problem will commit another one. In addition to substance abuse treatment, individuals participating in drug court may also receive mental health treatment, family or employment counseling, education, anger management or other support. A parole or probation officer supervises the participant for the duration of the program
Why drug court makes a difference
Drug court aims to keep those charged with drug crimes out of the prison system while helping to support their recovery. Aside from helping people get their lives back on track, drug court also serves another purpose: it saves money. Incarceration is significantly more expensive to the state than having lower level drug offenders participate in drug court. For those who have been charged with an eligible drug crime, talking to a lawyer about potentially participating is drug court is a good first step.
