Being charged with possession of drugs, related paraphernalia, distribution, or being under the influence of drugs (such as marijuana, heroin, cocaine, methamphetamines, and unauthorized prescription medications), carry the possibility of jail time should you be convicted. However, prison is not always the best response to a drug conviction. Those struggling with substance abuse need to overcome their addiction, not be punished. The majority of drug offenders are often rearrested shortly after being released from prison.

This was the reasoning behind “Drug Court” , a widely expanding diversionary sentence in the justice system. They are a problem-solving court aimed to help non-violent substance abusers, rather than punish them. The drug court process is an intervention that includes collaboration between judges, prosecutors, attorneys, and treatment professionals to create a recovery program. The goal of this is to keep substance abusers out of handcuffs and to teach them how to live a drug-free life. The drug court process has been effective in reducing recidivism and drug addiction.

For several years, the drug court was voluntary in the State of New Jersey. A law was recently passed that makes it mandatory for certain offenders. A judge can now impose it as a sentence in lieu of other punishments.

Programs initiated by the drug court require intensive supervision. Participants must comply with the court-decided treatment program and submit to regular drug tests. If a participant fails to do so or is convicted of another crime, they are not always given a second chance and risk jail time.

If you have been convicted with a drug crime, drug court will not only save you from serving jail time, but can save your life. At the Law Offices of David W. Polsky, we strongly believe that treatment is more effective than punishment. We are here to get you the recovery you need and help you through the drug court process so you can focus on starting your road to rehabilitation. Call me, attorney David Polsky, at (973) 686-9787 for a free consultation.