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Alternatives to Incarceration in Drug Cases

When you are facing drug charges, working closely with an attorney who will explain clearly all your rights, options and potential consequences can help to ensure that you make decision that are in your best interests. Contact our firm today to schedule a consultation and case evaluation with an experienced criminal defense attorney.

Drug Charges Criminal Defense Attorney

When under investigation or facing drug charges, it is important to consult with an experienced attorney you can trust. At Brian D. Clark, P.C., our attorneys are committed to protecting the rights and interests of clients in need of defense in cases involving drug possession, distribution and trafficking. Our attorneys have represented clients in numerous state and federal high-profile cases throughout Alabama. For aggressive representation to minimize charges and penalties in your case, please call 256-270-2584 or contact us by e-mail for an initial consultation with our Huntsville, Alabama, drug crimes defense lawyers.

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No innocent person should go to jail and no one should be charged for a serious offense that he or she did not commit. Let us protect your rights and fight to minimize penalties in your case. Call 256-270-2584 or contact us now for an initial consultation.

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Alternatives to Incarceration in Drug Cases

Since the late 1980s, there has been a dramatic shift in the approach of the American justice system toward drug crimes. Drug courts, which operate or are being planned in all 50 states, offer an alternative to traditional incarceration. By providing a structure that emphasizes substance abuse treatment and on-going supervision, drug courts aim to rehabilitate and reduce repeat offenses. Consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney at Brian D. Clark, P.C. in Huntsville, Alabama to learn about the range of alternatives to jail that may be available to you.

The Drug Court Model

The first drug court was established in Miami, Florida, in 1989. First developed as a way to relieve increased felony caseloads and overcrowded jails and prisons, the drug court movement has gained tremendous momentum throughout the United States. In the decades since then, drug courts now operate, or are being planned, in all 50 states.

Recognizing that incarceration alone has not been an effective solution to breaking the cycle of drug abuse and crime, the drug court model combines criminal justice and medical treatment approaches. Together, it is believed, these methods can help individuals break their dependence on drugs and ultimately take back control of their lives.

While the specific programs and methods used by individual drug courts vary, the emphasis is cooperation by all parties--the court, prosecution, defendant and treatment providers--to rehabilitate individuals with substance abuse problems who have been charged with a drug crime. Drug court participants undergo long-term treatment (typically 12 months), counseling, frequent drug testing, and regular court appearances. Related social and educational services may also be part of the process. The progress of each participant is regularly monitored and evaluated, and on-going interaction with judges is a common feature.

While drug courts have tended to focus on low-level and first-time offenders, individuals with more severe substance abuse issues and criminal activity have increasingly come within the drug court's efforts as well.

Successful Outcomes

Participants who comply with drug court terms and conditions often have their sentences reduced or set aside, probation rescinded or charges dropped altogether. Depending on the particular drug court, approaches taken range from diversion to probation. In all cases, however, successful completion means an alternative to going to jail and the chance to break the cycle of addiction.

Learn About Your Options

Being charged with a drug crime, whether or not it is your first offense, does not necessarily have to end in a jail sentence. With the growing emphasis on substance abuse treatment and other non-traditional approaches in the justice system, you may have options. If you are facing a drug charge, call an attorney who is experienced in criminal defense at Brian D. Clark, P.C. in Huntsville, Alabama for help in understanding the alternatives available to you.

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DISCLAIMER: This site and any information contained herein are intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Seek competent legal counsel for advice on any legal matter.

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