If you’re convicted of drug possession, you may immediately assume that you’ll get jail time. Unfortunately, spending time in jail doesn’t offer any support when you’re struggling with addiction. If you’re charged with a drug crime, there are ways to get access to treatment instead of spending time behind bars.
Hire a Lawyer
Hiring a lawyer is one of the most effective ways to request to get treatment instead of spending time in jail. Your lawyer can argue that you have a serious issue and can benefit more from obtaining professional support for your addiction rather than continue to suffer in the facility. If there’s a chance you’ll continue to break the law after completing your jail time, then you can get more from a treatment program and break the cycle.
The legal professional will attempt to compromise with the prosecutor to help you get the resources and support you need. You can even get partial jail time and the arrangement of enrolling in a treatment program for your sentence.
Attend Drug Court
You may also have the opportunity of attending drug court instead of the average criminal court, which can allow the judge to have a greater understanding of your situation and provide you with more options.
Factors That Make You Eligible for Avoiding Jail Time
Your lawyer can attempt to help you avoid jail time once they confirm this is only your first or second offense and you don’t have a criminal history of sexual assault or violence. You’ll need to be a non-violent offender and were under the influence when you were arrested for a drug crime. You’ll need to be willing to follow the treatment they assign you and must currently have an addiction.
Once you understand the options available if you’re convicted of a drug crime, it can allow you to fight for your future and seek treatment to ensure you can recover from substance abuse and make permanent changes. Hiring the right legal professional can allow you to obtain the resources that will prove to be more beneficial than sitting in a cell.