March 28, 2018
The main purpose of Florida Drug Court Program is to work with chronic drug abusers who are charged with a crime. Drug courts allow for both supervision of offenders, along with the necessary substance abuse management, to allow offenders an opportunity to resolve their drug problems. Most drug court programs require that participants take part in the program for at least one year. Once they have successfully completed the required program, the state may drop the pending criminal charges and the court may close the case.
Drug courts in Florida are designed for criminal defendants who are charged with drug possession or drug purchase. If you were arrested for—or charged with—a drug crime in Florida, the criminal defense lawyers at Khonsari Law Group can review your case and determine whether you qualify for the Florida Drug Court Program.
Initial Screening for the Program
As part of the initial booking process following an arrest for a drug crime, authorities will screen arrestees for possible participation in the Florida Drug Court Program. During the initial booking process, the court will provide the defendant with program instructions and tell the defendant what actions to take to gain acceptance into the program.
Eligibility for the Program
To qualify for the Florida Drug Court Program, the defendant must face drug possession or drug purchase charges. A defendant who sustained two or more drug sale convictions, two or more drug trafficking convictions, or felony convictions may not qualify for the program. Moreover, the State’s Attorney must ordinarily designate the cases/offenders who are eligible to participate in the program.
What Does the Florida Drug Court Program Entail?
The main purpose of the Florida Drug Court Program is to help offenders rehabilitate themselves and lead law-abiding lives. Defendants whom the program accepts must normally take part in it for at least one year. The program consists of substance abuse treatment sessions, progress sessions, and drug testing at various intervals.
Drug court can help people who know that they have a drug problem and who want to take action to correct it. However, participants must resolve to complete the program fully. If the offender drops out of the program or otherwise fails to complete the program, the court can reinstate the original criminal charges. Once the court reinstates the charges, the criminal case will proceed through the court system just like any other criminal case.
Call a St. Petersburg Criminal Defense Lawyer Today for a Free Initial Consultation
Drug court can offer criminal offenders with pending drug charges the opportunity to rehabilitate themselves and make important contributions to society. The St. Petersburg criminal defense lawyers at Khonsari Law Group can help determine your eligibility for the Florida Drug Court Program. To schedule a free consultation and case evaluation with a St. Petersburg, Florida, criminal defense lawyer, please call us at (727) 269-5300 or contact us online.