Facing down a charge involving alcohol or drugs may leave you wondering what your life will look like in the aftermath. One of the options you may have is attendance in drug court.
Maryland law established drug courts to help qualified offenders get through the legal process intending to halt the progression of possible dependency. Take a look at some of the components that comprise drug court to see if you may have the standing to go that route.
What is drug court?
Crimes that involve a drug or alcohol component may prove a fluke for some offenders. Drug court aims to take those one-offs and help them stay that way. For example, juvenile offenders caught drinking underage may benefit from early intervention. On the other hand, some adult offenders dealing with DUI charges and possession may also find themselves needing more than a criminal conviction to get them on the right track.
What are the key elements of drug court?
If your case lands in drug court, you have a chance to receive services that may help you stay out of the criminal justice system. The point of establishing this separate set of court services is to reduce the number of repeat offenders with chemical dependencies. Some of what you may find include:
- Chemical dependence treatment plans
- Anger management classes
- Frequent drug and alcohol testing
- Continued monitoring for effectiveness
Keeping the criminal system free of people who benefit more from therapy and help with dependency issues is a priority in Maryland. You may find that your case allows you to get intervention at a pivotal point.
