The courts know that people sometimes commit crimes purely because of their drug addiction, and they are often sympathetic to this. If the crime was a nonviolent one and the courts believe that the crime would not have been committed if it were not for the defendant's use of drugs or their drug addiction, they might decide that a drug rehabilitation program is a good alternative to jail time.
This blog will serve as a brief overview of how the court system uses drug rehabilitation programs as a good alternative to a prison sentence, and what kind of circumstances qualify for this.
The initiative
In 1989, the first drug court in the United States was opened. The goal was to break the cycle of repeat offenders going in and out of jail with no tools to better their situation. Drug addiction is a reality for around 32 percent of prison inmates across the country. Drug courts seek to help the qualifying portion of that 32 percent and help them to break their addiction and get back on the right track.
The terms of the plan
In order to follow the plan, a participant must exercise total commitment. It will never be an easy road, and the courts will only grant the program to people who show potential. The treatment plan will likely include regular counseling and group therapy, rehab either as an outpatient or as a resident, education on drugs and regular drug screening.
If you have been convicted of an offense that was drug related, you should speak to a legal advisor about seeking a rehab program as an alternative to jail.
Source: Rehabs, "Drug possession charges," accessed Sep. 18, 2017