December 8, 2023
- Categories:
- Drug Crimes
Several harsh penalties await a person accused of drug crimes. They could end up in jail and ordered to pay large fines. Their misconduct may cost them their job or a professional license they spent years in school to obtain.
Every defendant accused of violating drug laws theoretically has the right to fight back in criminal court. However, many choose to plead guilty instead. They do so to evade the complexities of trial or under the belief that admitting guilt may yield a better outcome than defending their case.
Yet, there is another option: Alabama’s drug court program. Here are some of the reasons why people seek out drug court rather than pleading guilty or mounting a defense in criminal court:
They can connect with treatment
The main objective of drug court proceedings is rehabilitation. Alabama drug courts help people overcome their dependency on drugs by connecting them with treatment and requiring regular drug testing.
Although people battling drug addiction recognize that they need professional support, they also typically have plenty of excuses to delay treatment. An arrest that results in a drug court judgment forces them to start treatment and fully commit to it.
They can avoid criminal penalties and records
Another reason that drug court proceedings are so beneficial for those accused of a nonviolent drug crime is that they can move on from a mistake without it having such a negative impact on the rest of their lives. Successfully completing the drug court process presents an opportunity to evade a conviction.
Additionally, the court may dismiss a person’s criminal drug charges, allowing them to escape fines and jail time by graduating from drug court. Even though it may require dedication and effort, pursuing drug court adjudication over entering a plea in criminal court presents an excellent opportunity for those who want to put their mistake behind them.
People who have recently been accused of a drug crime should explore all their options to see what they can do to minimize the consequences. Those facing drug charges might benefit from consulting with an attorney on what it takes to achieve the best possible outcome.
Attorney Brad Hawley
Attorney Brad Hawley possesses years of practical experience focused on bankruptcy, civil and criminal defense. He has prosecuted and defended clients in state court, and is a former enlisted member of the United States Army. Brad is driven by his desire to help people that have been hurt by the legal system, and is dedicated to fixing injustices he sees around him. [ Attorney Bio ]