What is drug court?
It is similar to conditional discharge. It provides another option for defendant's charged with felony drug possession but not sale or trafficking. The program terms differ between counties, but typically the program ranges from 12 to 24 months and includes intensive rehabilitative efforts. This could include random drug screens of your urine or blood, counseling, and meetings in court with the judge. They could also require you to reside in the county of the drug court and continue to reside in the county until the program is completed. If the participant violates any of the terms of the drug court program, he could face sanctions. The incentive to complete the program is at the end, if all conditions are met, the criminal charges are dismissed. However, if you fail to complete the program, you are removed from the program and sentenced pursuant to the guilty plea you entered before the program and will be facing prison time.
What's the purpose of drug court?
The purpose of drug court is to stop the abuse of drugs and alcohol and the related criminal activity that comes along with the addictions. It gives defendants a second chance. Studies have shown that drug courts have been effective in reducing drug usage, criminal recidivism, and makes the life of the participants better.
How does it work?
Every county is different as to the length of the program and the details. However, in general, after you are arrested but before trial or pleading guilty in a traditional sense, you would plead guilty with the condition of going into the drug court program. The judge accepts your guilty plea but withholds the other terms of your sentence except for the drug court condition. You would start the program. If, during the program, you violate a conditions, the court can issue sanctions, including jail time. If you continue to violate conditions, the judge can kick you out of the program and sentence you to prison based upon your guilty plea. However, if you successfully complete the drug court program, your criminal charges are dismissed.
Who can participate in drug court?
Defendants over 17 years old charged with a non-violent felony drug possession offense. Must be a resident of the county or get your case transferred to the county where you reside. Also, you must voluntarily enter the drug court program. Defendants with a history of violent conduct, unstable medical conditions, or current parole status, or have been through the drug court program before are typically not allowed to participate.
Can Bray Law help me get into drug court?
Typically, the prosecutor has to agree to a plea to drug court. That requires an attorney willing to go to the prosecutor and ask for the program and convince them you are a good match. Bridgett Bray is willing to vouch for your eligibility, desire, and appropriateness to go into the program. Bray Law has years of experience with drug courts in Georgia and will use that experience to get you into the drug court in your county if you qualify. Call us today for a Free Consultation to discuss your case.