The criminal justice system is complicated, and no two cases are ever the same. In some situations, it is in the defendant’s best interests to negotiate for court-ordered rehab in lieu of a prison sentence.
Most people assume that court-ordered treatment for substance use disorders is rarely effective; however, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, people who enter court-ordered rehab actually perform as well as or better than those who entered rehab without any legal pressure. Individuals who are in court-ordered programs tend to have better attendance rates and often remain in treatment for longer than those who enrolled on their own accord.
If you are facing drug charges, you may be eligible to negotiate for a court-ordered rehab program. Turn to Michael D. Weinstein, PA, a Florida drug attorney, to discuss your defense options.
Call 1-877-639-4404 to schedule an initial consultation with a Fort Lauderdale criminal defense lawyer, and read on to learn more about court-ordered rehab:
What Is Court-Ordered Rehab?
Court-ordered rehab refers to a mandatory rehabilitation program to treat a substance use disorder. A judge can impose it as part of a sentencing for a drug crime. A judge may also impose court-ordered rehab for individuals who did not commit a drug crime but were under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time that they committed another crime.
In most cases, a defendant will attend court-ordered rehab instead of going to jail. The main goal of such a program is to prevent the offender from committing even more serious crimes in the future while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Who May Be Eligible to Negotiate for Court-Ordered Rehab?
Not everyone who faces incarceration is eligible for court-ordered rehab. In general, defendants must meet certain conditions in order to negotiate for a rehabilitation program in lieu of a prison sentence. These conditions include:
- The presence of a substance use disorder;
- A direct or indirect relation between the charges and intoxication or addiction;
- Eligibility for a probation sentence; and
- The belief that the defendant will benefit from addiction treatment.
If you attend court-ordered rehab, you must complete the program successfully in order to avoid an additional sentence.
Who Covers the Cost of Court-Ordered Rehab?
In most cases, the offender is responsible for covering all costs associated with the drug or alcohol rehabilitation program. The offender typically has some say in selecting a program, though, so if you do not have a lot of disposable income, you can opt for one of the more affordable options.
If you are suffering from a substance use disorder, court-ordered rehab may actually help. Although internal motivation plays a role in the effectiveness of any rehabilitation program, external pressures like a court order may also contribute to success, according to the National Criminal Justice Reference Service.
If you are facing drug charges in Florida, turn to Michael D. Weinstein, PA. As an experienced criminal defense lawyer, he can help you explore your options regarding court-ordered rehabilitation. Call 1-877-639-4404 to schedule an initial consultation with a Fort Lauderdale drug attorney today.
