Does your heroin addiction qualify you for drug court?

No one intends to wind up addicted to drugs. Similarly, most people don’t plan to find themselves in criminal trouble related to addiction. However, those exact problems cause issues for people in New York every single day. Many of the people caught in the net of addiction struggle to free themselves and find themselves facing life-altering consequences.

Those struggling with addiction and accused of nonviolent offenses may wonder what options and rights they have. The truth is that there are many different ways that individuals can defend against drug allegations, but a defense isn’t always the best option. Sometimes, it is possible to have your case moved to drug court instead of criminal court.

Provided that you are willing and able to comply with the expectations and requirements of the drug court, avoiding criminal court is almost always beneficial. Not only will drug court help you avoid the long-term social consequences associated with a drug conviction, but it could also help you connect with the treatment you need to get your life back on track.

Drug court is an option for those with addiction issues

New York is one of several states that offers drug courts as an alternative to criminal court in certain situations. To determine if you qualify for drug court, you will have to look carefully at your arrest situation and criminal record.

Many times, drug court is most accessible to those facing their first criminal charge. Additionally, drug court is only an option for those accused of nonviolent offenses. Finally, drug court cases typically have to involve someone physically addicted to a substance, not just a recreational user. In the event that your case meets all three of these requirements, drug court could be an option for your case.

Typically, drug courts will place those accused of drug offenses into inpatient rehabilitation facilities. Many times, people will have to spend months in a drug treatment center to complete the requirements set by the court. However, when you consider that the alternative is often prison and a criminal record, inpatient drug addiction therapy doesn’t seem like such a bad option.

An attorney can help you determine if you qualify for drug court

If you struggle with addiction, you need to have an advocate working on your behalf to successfully navigate the court systems. For most people, the best chances of success related to drug court will involve working with a criminal defense attorney.

Possession charges related to heroin and other addictive substances can carry steep fines, as well as jail time. Working with an attorney to see if drug court is an option for you is one of the most direct routes to minimizing the impact of your addiction on your future.

Contact Neil S. Ruskin

Bold labels are required.

Please enter your name.
Please enter a valid email.
Please enter a valid phone number.
Please enter a message.
Please check this field.

Office Location

Neil S. Ruskin
188 Montaque Street Suite 404
Brooklyn, NY 11201

Local: (718) 237-1547
Fax: 718-875-4011