If you are arrested on drug possession charges in Michigan, like in many other states you can face serious penalties, which can quickly escalate even for first time offenses based on where you were arrested (on or near a school is worse), what type of drug you were alleged to be in possession of, and the quantity of drugs.
The penalties can include jail time, fines, and if you are lucky - possible rehabilitation after getting referred to Michigan's Drug Treatment Court. Michigan has been using Drug Treatment Courts since 1992 to divert non-violent drug offenders from the traditional criminal court justice system into a program designed for the court supervised treatment and rehabilitation of an addict.
What is Drug Court?
Michigan's Drug Treatment Court is a network of over 30 specialized courts (some are for adults, juveniles only, alcohol abusers only and even three special courts for Native Americans) across the state that utilizes treatment providers, law enforcement officers, probation officers and judges to deal with non-violent, low level drug offenders. Drug Treatment Court includes:
- Mandatory, frequent drug testing
- Individual and group therapy
- Close supervision and accountability to a Drug Court Judge
- Sanctions or punishments as needed for missing goals
- Small, consistent rewards to celebrate progress
Why Drug Court?
From the perspective of the state, its Drug Treatment Court dramatically reduces recidivism among successful graduates, keeping them from entering the criminal court and penal system again and again. Since it is also much less expensive to put drug offenders through Drug Treatment Court than to incarcerate them, the cost savings is significant. A 2006 study showed over a $1,000,000 savings that was realized in just two years by two counties with Drug Treatment Court Programs.
There are many benefit to the drug offender who successfully graduates Drug Treatment Court:
- Acquiring skills to become and remain sober
- Receiving much needed vocational training or other education (such as a GED)
- Drug possession charges can be reduced or possibly even dismissed entirely
Call An Attorney
If you or a family member have just been arrested on a drug possession charge, the sooner you contact an experienced criminal defense attorney the sooner you can have someone on your side, protecting your rights and working hard to get you the best possible results, which in Michigan may be a referral to Drug Treatment Court.
