Those who are facing drug charges in Florida may want to know all of the options that they have. In some cases, even when facing criminal charges, a person can use the drug court system. This could help them avoid having a permanent record.
Typically, the drug court program sets up a treatment course that the individual has to go through. This is closely monitored, and they have to meet certain requirements. They must refrain from all future drug use, for example. If they complete the course, then the charges against them may be dropped, so they don’t have to pay financial fines, spend time behind bars or have that drug arrest on their record forever. The drug court program gives them an alternative.
Can anyone use this system?
No, the drug court system isn’t available to everyone. For one thing, they do have to be an adult who is at least 18 years old. The authorities will also look at any prior convictions on their record. If they have violent crime convictions, then they are disqualified from the drug court program.
But in general, the goal is to give nonviolent first-time offenders another option if they are dealing with a drug addiction. They may have been caught in possession of illegal drugs merely because they’re addicted to those substances. Incarceration won’t change the addiction, so they could relapse when they are released. But if they go through the treatment program, the hope is that their addiction issues will be addressed, and they won’t re-offend after the fact.
If you are facing drug charges in Florida, you can see why it’s so important to understand all of the legal options you have at this time.
