Drug Courts May Provide Alternate Resolutions for Charges

Drug related crimes have become some of the most ubiquitous in our criminal justice system. Despite the War on Drugs, drug use has grown to become a huge problem, especially among those arrested for various crimes. In fact, about 1.2 million people addicted to drugs are currently in the justice system. In order to better get to the true root of these crimes and better rehabilitate offenders motivated by their addictions, Ohio has instituted “drug courts” where offenders with drug addictions arrested for directly drug-related crimes (such as possession) or drug-motivated crimes (such as theft to further an addiction) can get alternate sentences than jail time.

These drug courts give addicts a chance to be fully rehabilitated and reintegrated into society through counseling and treatment. If a person stays sober after a drug court judgment, they can either stay out on probation or have charges dismissed entirely after a year of successful compliance with the terms of their release. This program not only gives addicts the structured support they need to quit, but also allows them to continue to work or rejoin society as full productive members.

Benefits of Drug Court Sentences

The use of drug courts in Ohio has grown over the past decade and has proven to be an effective alternative to jail sentences. According to numerous state and federal studies over the last 20 years, drug courts are the most cost-effective way to reduce drug-related crime. In fact, drug courts reduce crime by almost 45 percent more than other sentencing options.

It is clear that drug courts furthermore help end the cycle of crime. While over 70 percent of drug addicts will commit multiple crimes without drug treatment, 75 percent of drug court program graduates remain arrest-free for at least two years after completing the program. Similarly, children of rehabilitated adults are less likely to get into crime themselves. By treating the addiction as the cause of the crime, drug court programs eliminate much of the need for more severe punishments.

While drug court conditions are usually quite strict, successful graduates of these programs go on to have much better lives. Incarceration, on the other hand, can be an extremely harsh punishment to endure. If you or someone that you love has been arrested for a drug-related crime, you may be eligible for alternative resolutions through drug courts. Contact a Columbus drug attorney at Luftman, Heck & Associates by calling us today at (614) 500-3836 for a free consultation on your case. Let us fight for you to get the best outcome possible.