Drug crimes are among the most common criminal offenses that occur in Missouri. Police officers arrest people for the possession of prohibited drugs or controlled substances for which they do not have a prescription. Anyone involved in the production or distribution of drugs is also at risk of prosecution.
Most people facing drug charges worry about the possible criminal penalties. Most people want to avoid jail time, fines and other court-imposed consequences. There is an alternative available, in some cases, for those facing drug charges in Missouri.
Some defendants qualify for drug court
Someone facing drug charges usually has two main options. They can either plead guilty and leave themselves at the mercy of the courts, or they can take the case to trial by asserting that they did not break the law.
Either situation can lead to months of stress and significant consequences for the person accused. In addition to whatever penalties the courts might impose, they have to consider the impact of the criminal record on their future opportunities in life.
In some cases, it may be possible to bypass the traditional criminal court process by seeking adjudication in the drug courts. The Missouri adult treatment courts provide intensive oversight for those dealing with a substance abuse disorder.
To qualify for drug court adjudication, a defendant typically needs to face non-violent charges. There must be evidence supporting their claim that their conduct relates to a substance abuse disorder rather than a desire for personal enrichment. Defendants who do qualify have to commit to a long-term process that involves regular meetings, intensive treatment efforts and mandatory drug testing.
Those who successfully complete the drug court program can potentially achieve sobriety through a combination of counseling and regular drug testing. They can avoid the penalties that the courts might impose after a conviction. They can even potentially avoid a criminal record that might turn up whenever others perform background checks in the future.
Discussing the situation leading to drug charges with a skilled legal team can help a defendant determine whether drug court proceedings might be an option in their case. Those who pursue adjudication in the adult drug treatment courts can potentially secure a better outcome than those who handle drug charges entirely in criminal court.