If you have been arrested for a drug-related offense, you may be eligible for help rather than incarceration. Some courts have begun to realize that crime is not always the problem, it is often a symptom of the real problem, drug abuse and addiction.
What Is a Diversion Program?
A diversion program is designed to keep non-violent first-time offenders and individuals who need help out of the criminal justice system. Diversion programs intervene in a case before it becomes necessary to take an offender off the street. A diversion program allows an offender an opportunity to resolve the matter and get help without having to take the chance of going to jail, or worse, to prison. Diversion programs allow the State an opportunity to deal with an offender before he or she becomes a hardened criminal in the criminal justice system. Diversion programs are designed to divert offenders and people who need help into programs and away from crime, without incarceration.
What Diversion Programs Are Offered In Hillsborough County?
Each Florida county treats drug abuse and addiction differently. Hillsborough County has created some problem-solving courts which offer help as an alternative to incarceration. Some of the alternatives are:
- Juvenile Drug Court
- Drug Pretrial Intervention
- Adult Post Adjudication
What is Juvenile Drug Court?
The juvenile drug court is a program in which participants are required to attend substance abuse counseling, submit to random drug screens, attend a school or obtain a general equivalency diploma (GED), follow court-ordered sanctions, and comply with any other orders issued by the court. The end goal is to have the legal charges dismissed. See Juvenile Drug Court
What is Adult Drug Pretrial Intervention Court?
The Adult Drug Pretrial Intervention Court allows first-time drug offenders the opportunity to avoid having a felony conviction on their record.
After completing a background check, the defendant signs a contract in which he or she agrees to complete a drug treatment program and the State Attorney’s Office agrees to drop the charges upon completion of that program. See Adult Drug Pretrial Intervention Court
What is Adult Post Adjudication Court?
The Adult Post-Adjudication Drug Court is designed to treat and assist those individuals whose drug and alcohol problems have resulted in being charged with a 3rd-degree felony. See Adult Post-Adjudication Drug Court
Do Drug Courts Offer Medication-assisted Treatment?
Drug courts may offer therapies that include medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Addiction is a chronic brain disease in which a person regularly finds and uses drugs. It is a brain disease because addiction can change how the brain works. Without treatment and recovery, addiction may keep getting worse.
There are three main choices for medication to treat opioid addiction.
- Methadone
- Buprenorphine
- Extended-Release Naltrexone (Vivitrol)
What is Methadone?
Methadone relieves withdrawal and cravings. The goal is to feel normal, not intoxicated or in withdrawal. Stopping methadone abruptly will result in withdrawal symptoms.
What is Buprenorphine?
Buprenorphine reduces the desire for opioids and reduces withdrawal symptoms. The goal is to help a person feel normal. Stopping methadone abruptly will result in withdrawal symptoms.
What is Extended-Release Naltrexone (Vivitrol)?
Naltrexone (Vivitrol) works by blocking opioids from acting on your brain. It takes away the high and allows your brain time to heal. It may also stop drug cravings. Stopping naltrexone abruptly will NOT result in withdrawal symptoms.
Why Should I Contact a Drug Abuse and Addiction Defense Attorney?
Drug abuse and addiction can happen to anyone. If you or a loved one have been arrested for a drug-related crime and need help with a drug abuse and addiction problem, it is critical that you get help from experienced drug abuse and addiction defense attorney. Drug abuse and addiction are complex and require the help of someone with experience and knowledge concerning treatment and recovery. An experienced drug abuse and addiction attorney may be able to help you avoid a lengthy prison term and get the help you need.
Why Fernandez & ?
If you or someone you know need help understanding Drug Court, Fernandez & will guide you through the process and may be able to assist you in getting the outcome you deserve. If you or a loved one would like to learn more about Drug Court call Fernandez & for a free consultation.
The criminal defense attorneys at Fernandez & will work diligently to get your case transferred to Drug Court if you have drug abuse issues and are amenable to treatment. Transfer to Drug Court can be complex. It is important to have the right lawyer to defend you.
The attorneys at Fernandez & are bilingual and will provide a free and confidential consultation so that you can discuss your situation. Fernandez & can help you understand all of your options and may be able to help you find a solution to your problem.
Tampa Criminal defense attorney Daniel J. Fernandez has experience with Drug Court cases and will work diligently to get your situation resolved. Attorney Daniel J. Fernandez can help guide you through the system. If you need assistance with Drug Court, call Tampa Criminal Defense Attorney Daniel J. Fernandez of Fernandez & at (813) 229- 5353.
