If you were caught by police in possession of any type of controlled substance in Philadelphia, you have most likely gone through several stages of stress and grief. Being arrested and charged with a crime is a difficult process for anyone to endure – inevitably, your finances, your personal life, your self-esteem, and even your sense of self-worth can all be significantly affected.
Drug Court Programs, available in Pennsylvania and all 50 states, can help you to obtain the most positive outcome in your drug possession case, but it is not wise to consider seeking this outcome on your own. These cases are complicated and there is obviously a lot at risk, so it is best to call a lawyer experienced with drug defense in your area who can help you in obtaining your case’s best possible resolution.
Drug Court Programs
Created in an effort to help people with addiction issues who have either been charged with or arrested on charges of drug possession, Drug Courts, aim to help the accused stay off drugs and out of the system and these programs usually combine several rehabilitative elements. These programs often incorporate such elements as mandatory drug testing, treatment for substance abuse, and court supervision, though they can still offer very attractive alternatives to incarceration. If you have been charged with possession, it is almost certainly in your best interest to contact an experienced attorney in your area to discuss your options, including Drug Court.
Eligibility
Drug Court programs can vary from state to state and even from county to county, but some of the general conditions shared by most programs regarding consideration for eligibility are as follows:
- Candidates cannot possess a prior criminal record;
- Candidates cannot have any violent crime charges pending; and
- Candidates must be either identified by the District Attorney or referred by an attorney.
- Every case, however, is unique, and eligibility must be carefully considered from every angle before pursuing a specific legal outcome. Legal counsel is strongly advised.
Final Results
Although results are state, county, and case specific, Drug Court programs can provide participants with outcomes that are extremely preferable to incarceration. However, these programs are long-term endeavors, employing highly specific and comprehensive rules and regulations that are not only mandated by the court but also carefully monitored by a court-appointed network of probation and police officers as well as medical providers. If you are able to successfully complete all restitution through a Drug Court Program, you enjoy the distinct possibility of avoiding jail or prison time or even a conviction on your criminal record.
This is not an outcome that should be left to chance. Choosing to engage a knowledgeable and experienced attorney could be the most important decision you’ll ever make toward rebuilding your future – and you deserve a second chance.
Contact Philadelphia Criminal Defense Attorney Brian Zeiger for Assistance
If you have been charged with possession, you are almost certainly weathering a storm of emotions. It is very difficult, not to mention exceedingly complex, to navigate such an ordeal alone. Your best line of defense is to employ counsel who is experienced with Drug Court Programs in your area. Such programs vary greatly and procuring an experienced lawyer in your area can mean the difference between incarceration and probation. Serious consequences are at stake; it is in your best interest to improve your chances of obtaining the best possible resolution by hiring credible counsel. Attorney Brian Zeiger, founder of The Zeiger Firm and with over a decade of experience as a defense attorney – including drug defense – will thoroughly review the facts of your case and will guide and advise you through every step of the Drug Court process. To learn more about how we can help, call Brian Zeiger today at 215-546-0340 or send us an email through our online contact form.