Getting arrested for a drug offense means facing major personal setbacks. Drug convictions can lead to jail time and other penalties. The criminal record produced by a conviction can also cause a host of personal challenges. People may have difficulty obtaining new jobs, securing rental housing or continuing their educations after a drug conviction.
Those facing drug-related criminal charges have a few options when responding to those allegations. Some people plead guilty. Those with useful information might be able to plea bargain with state authorities if they have proper assistance. Many others might simply plead guilty and leave themselves at the mercy of the courts. There are also those who mount defenses in the hopes of avoiding a criminal conviction.
Finally, there are some people who might try to go through the drug courts. Also known as the adult drug treatment courts or the problem-solving courts, the drug courts take a different approach to substance abuse cases.
Why do some people intentionally expose themselves to a longer criminal justice process via drug courts?
The drug courts offer several benefits
Drug court proceedings generally require at least 18 months to complete. People must submit to randomized drug testing, regularly meet with court-appointed professionals and fulfill all other requirements imposed by the courts. If they don’t complete the process within 36 months, they may have to proceed with a standard criminal trial.
Defendants facing drug-related criminal charges seek adjudication in the drug courts for several reasons. The first is to avoid traditional criminal penalties. The drug courts focus on treatment. Provided that people successfully complete the program, they aren’t at risk of standard criminal penalties. Instead, they submit to court supervision regarding their sobriety and treatment efforts.
The second common reason is to avoid a traditional conviction on their record. Those without prior records who complete the drug court process can potentially move on without the fear of failing background checks for the rest of their lives.
Individuals who can clearly show that their criminal incident directly relates to a substance abuse disorder may potentially qualify for drug court proceedings. Reviewing every option available when responding to drug charges can be a smart option. Defendants who explore alternate options may be able to limit the fallout of a recent arrest.