Drug Courts
TREATMENT IS THE ANSWER, NOT JAIL
Drug courts are part of a coordinated effort by the courts, prosecutorial agencies, probation departments, law enforcement, social service agencies and treatment facilities to become involved in breaking the cycle of substance abuse, addiction and crime. It has turned out be an effective and one of the most creative alternatives to jail where the courts rapidly isolate offenders and place them in a long-term treatment facility that mandates constant monitoring and strict supervision.
Defendants essentially get substance abuse treatment, psychological counseling, case management as well as vocational and job training to help them assimilate into society as productive citizens. The success of these drug courts has been significant and has worked for certain types of offenders. According to a February 2005 Government Accountability Office (GAO) report, adult drug court programs have been able to significantly reduce crime by lowering among participants, a return to addiction and crime. Repeated failure to comply with rules and conditions will lead to expulsion from the program.
Proposition 36
The Substance Abuse and Crime Prevention Act, also known as Proposition 36, was passed by 61 percent of California voters on Nov. 7, 2000. This vote permanently changed California law by allowing first- and second-time non-violent drug possession offenders to get treatment instead of jail time. More than 36,000 Californians enter drug rehabilitation treatment each year through Proposition 36.
Who is eligible for drug court?
This is generally available to:
- Non-violent offenders charged with crimes such as possession of drugs, forged prescriptions and so on
- Offenders with at least one prior drug conviction
- Legal residents of the United States
Generally, offenders who have a history of committing violent crimes, those with pending charges or convictions of manufacturing and distributing controlled substances and those with disruptive behavioral issues will not be accepted into these diversion programs. If you or a loved one has been charged with a drug offense, call us to determine if you qualify for such a diversion program. You do not need to be in a jail cell. You need help – now.
