1. What is Drug Court?

A special program called Drug Court has been given the responsibility of select misdemeanor and felony case that involve drug-users that are non-violent. Those assigned to Drug Court are frequently drug tested, given drug treatment counseling, judicial and probation supervision, and the use of sanctions and incentives. The program is overseen by a Judge rather than an unsupervised program for drug treatment. Once the offender completes the 12 month long drug court program, the drug charge is dismissed.

2. How much will Drug Court cost?

A minimal fee will be made to the treatment provider to help off-set costs. There are plans to standardize this fee.

3. What is the benefit of Drug Court?

The statistics support the connection between drug addiction and crime. Nearly 3/4 of all state and local crimes are drug-related.

Under the current legal system, the cycle of drug use and criminal offenses cannot be stopped. Offenders are never treated for their drug addiction and they keep rotating through the judicial system.

Unfortunately, this system is very expensive for the taxpayers and doesn’t work.

4. Who is eligible for Drug Court?

Only non-violent offenders can qualify. Violent and serious offenders are excluded from the program. The funding for the Crime Bill states that offenders that are charged with a violent offense or a prior crime with the exception of domestic violence are not allowed to participate. It is hard work for offenders to get and stay clean and sober, but that is exactly the goal of Drug Court.

5. What happens at the completion of Drug Court?

Following completion of the Drug Court Program, the defendant will have their case dismissed. The participant’s accomplishments will be recognized during a graduation ceremony.

Let the criminal attorneys at the San Diego Law Center help you. Have a San Diego criminal attorney evaluate your case today.