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What is a drug court?

On Behalf of | Jun 29, 2021 | Drug Crimes

If you face drug charges, your case may end up in drug court. This special court can help you to avoid a criminal conviction on your record.

According to the National Institute of Justice, drug courts focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment, and they put your future in your hands because your participation determines the end result. How it works is you will go to court as usual, but instead of handing down a sentence, the judge will create a program for you to follow. The program will include things you must do to help you overcome the dependency issue that landed you in the courtroom.

Avoid a charge

The biggest benefit of drug court is it enables you to have your charges dropped. To get this end result, you must go through the program set by the court. This typically involves attending treatment programs, serving community service and paying fines. If you complete the court’s sentence fully, it will then vacate your charges, and you will walk away with no conviction on your record.

Participate in teamwork

One characteristic of drug courts is the teamwork. You will not go through the process alone. Besides the judge, you will have others who will help you to succeed. These people may include counselors, social workers, attorneys, community correction officers and other professionals. If you are willing to put the work in, these people will support and help you through the program.

Drug court not only helps you avoid a criminal record but also enables you to fix problems in your life that led you down this path.