Conviction of drug offenses, even for simple possession of controlled substances, can result in jail sentences and ruined lives. However, drug use is often the result of addiction or physical dependency, which the criminal justice system is not equipped to remedy. Indeed, the traditional approach of imprisoning drug offenders often leads to a vicious cycle in which drug addictions remain untreated. Defendants, once they serve their sentences, find themselves helpless to avoid repetition and even expansion of illegal activity to feed their habits.

To attack the problem, Florida has instituted drug courts, which offer an alternative to prosecution, conviction and jail time. Drug courts can allow defendants diagnosed with drug or alcohol problems to take advantage of substance abuse treatment and rehabilitation programs under close supervision by judicial officers.

A participant who successfully completes a drug court program may achieve these benefits:

• Staying out of jail
• Keeping their driver’s license, even though they are convicted of driving under the influence, which would otherwise require a two-year suspension of the license
• Wiping their record clean of the conviction that required them to enter the program

Drug courts have proven their effectiveness by reducing crime and providing better outcomes for the offenders. Features of drug court programs that increase the likelihood of successful outcomes include:

• Voluntary participation by defendants
• Early identification and placing of eligible participants into the program
• Frequent drug testing
• Ongoing judicial interaction with each participant
• A non-adversarial approach by both prosecutors and defense counsel
• Facilitating participants’ access to alcohol, drug and related treatments and rehabilitative services, tailored to the individual needs of each participant
• A coordinated strategy to encourage and enforce compliance, including sanctions for non-compliance, which may include jail time

Drug court programs are demanding for participants but may provide the best opportunity to kick a dangerous habit and at the same time avoid criminal prosecution, immediately and in the future. If you are a defendant with a substance abuse problem, a criminal attorney experienced with drug court programs can help you secure these benefits and make the most of what the program has to offer.

The Law Offices of Tad A. Yates, P.A. in Orlando provides effective representation to people accused of drug offenses and has helped many of them take advantage of drug court programs. Call us at 407-608-7777 or contact us online to schedule an initial consultation.