Understanding Drug Court in New Jersey
Overview: Drug Possession, Consequences and Court
Have you ever heard of drug use or drug possession getting described as a victimless crime? Can you imagine a courtroom handing out the same jail sentence to someone who violently attacked another person and an offender who was carrying around some pot?
The circumstances surrounding drug abuse are often complex, yet our criminal justice system is designed to be punitive. In response, several states have adopted the use of drug courts to help rehabilitate first-time, low-level offenders who have committed drug-related crimes. Learn all about drug courts in New Jersey below.
Drug Courts: A Brief History
Crack-cocaine – the name itself often stirs up strong feelings for those who lived through the drug’s peak years. For decades, federal and state laws treated crack-cocaine users much more severely than those who were caught with pure cocaine.
In response to these problems, a new court was born in Miami-Dade County, FL in 1989. It was founded with the intention to help nonviolent drug offenders get treatment rather than jail time. Over time, the court was having so much success that the method was replicated across the nation.
Am I Eligible for Drug Court in New Jersey?
So, are you eligible to avoid criminal court and get alternative drug court treatment in New Jersey? Three factors will go into determining whether or not you’re eligible including:
- The individual must be over 18-years-old
- The person must be suffering from substance abuse
- The crime the person’s accused of must be non-violent
If you meet these three factors, then you’re eligible to have your file reviewed. New Jersey’s drug court will conduct a legal review and clinical assessment. In doing so, they’ll attempt to determine whether or not you could potentially be rehabilitated and benefit from a drug program.
What to Expect in Drug Court
If you are accepted into drug court, then you’ll be given an individualized treatment plan. Your plan may include:
- Court appearances on a regular basis
- Random drug testing
- Residential programs
- Meetings with a probation officer on a regular basis
- Counseling
- Community service
If you have concerns or questions about the process, then it’s important to reach out to an attorney.
Contact an Experienced Westmont Drug Defense Attorney About Your Drug Crime Charges in New Jersey
Have you been charged with a drug crime in New Jersey? A drug crime conviction can carry with it heavy fines, jail time, and driver’s license suspension! That is why it is imperative that you speak with a qualified drug defense lawyer about your case. The Law Office Jill R. Cohen represents clients charged with use, possession, production, distribution, and related drug offenses in Westmont, Camden, Cherry Hill, Gloucester Township, and throughout New Jersey. Call 856-754-5501 or fill out our confidential online contact form to schedule a consultation about your case. We have an office located at 210 Haddon Avenue, Haddon Township, NJ 08108.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
