Those facing drug charges in Monroe County, New York, often fear the worst possible outcomes. They read about criminal sentences and the impact of a criminal record. They may catastrophize the situation and compromise their ability to handle the matter rationally.
While a guilty plea or conviction for a drug offense can cause lasting damage, there are alternative options available. Monroe County has drug treatment courts available that can support individuals facing criminal charges related to substance abuse disorders.
What do defendants generally need to know about the Monroe County drug courts?
There are three types of drug courts
The New York drug courts largely focused on rehabilitation and court oversight. There are both juvenile drug treatment courts and adult drug treatment courts. They provide support for individuals facing drug-related offenses.
If individuals can show that they have a verifiable substance abuse disorder that caused their criminal charges, they may be eligible for drug court adjudication, regardless of whether they face misdemeanor or felony charges. The family drug treatment courts in New York offer support for those accused of neglect offenses because of a substance abuse disorder.
How did the drug courts function?
The drug courts require that individuals show that their criminal charges relate to a substance abuse disorder. Provided that they qualify based on their personal history, they must agree to intensive court oversight.
They attend regular hearings, agree to randomized drug screenings and commit to various rehabilitative services. The goal is to help them understand their substance abuse disorder, identify what contributes to their substance abuse and learn tools to help them achieve and maintain sobriety. The entire process often takes up to two years and a minimum of 12 months in most cases.
Those who are successful can end their drug abuse while simultaneously bypassing the worst consequences of a drug conviction. They may be able to avoid a criminal sentence and a criminal record that follows them for life.
Defendants facing drug charges may need to sit down to talk about their case with a criminal defense attorney, and that’s okay. Seeking adjudication in the drug courts can help people turn a serious drug offense into an opportunity to improve their lives.