In traditional court, if a person faces drug charges, he or she may have a long incarceration ahead. Specialty courts, on the other hand, may address drug abuse by offering solutions. These courts are problem-solving sessions. If a person faces drug charges, he or she may have the option to attend drug court instead.
Drug court tackles the problem of substance abuse and addiction in an attempt to put a stop to the illegal behavior that it creates.
What is drug court?
According to the Massachusetts government, drug courts are programs for those who face drug charges. These may be individuals who are fighting serious addiction and are likely to reoffend. A judge in a drug court session will often choose to impose treatment on the offender. The program focuses on accountability and treatment to provide the defendant with the ability to take control of his or her life. The point of drug court is not to punish the offender, but to help him or her find stability.
Drug court programs will often include:
- Probation supervision
- Drug testing
- Treatment programs
- Therapeutic activities
All aspects of the drug court program are carefully monitored by the judge.
What are the goals of drug court?
Drug courts seek to end the abuse of drugs. For those who are dependent on drugs, there is always a chance that said users will reoffend. To incarcerate individuals for drug charges can lead to a higher burden with the cost of processing low-level offenders. The goal of drug court and any rehabilitation program is recidivism reduction. Those who participate in drug court may have fewer rearrests than those who did not attend.
Drug addiction is a chronic disease, and these courts recognize that it affects impulse and behavior. To take part in treatment is to create a positive change in a person’s life, and this can reduce crime.
