Don’t Do Time; Get Help: Determining Eligibility for New Jersey’s Drug Court Program
A person suffering from drug addiction doesn’t need punishment or scorn; they need help. New Jersey has come to realize that addiction is a bona fide disease that requires comprehensive clinical treatment. Unfortunately, all too often, addicts facing drug charges are convicted and incarcerated where there is no chance of them getting the real help they need to overcome their addiction.
There is an option. Developed in 2002, New Jersey’s Drug Court program was designed to help non-violent drug offenders seek treatment and avoid incarceration. Since its inception, nearly 4,000 people have gotten the help they need rather than going to jail.
In order to be considered eligible for New Jersey’s Drug Court program:
- offenders must be adults with no previous conviction or pending charges for a violent offense
- applicants must also pass the required standardized legal review and clinical assessment conducted by members of the drug court team.This screening consists of an interview with the Judiciary’s substance abuse evaluator after the defendant’s initial application has been accepted. The interview will cover things like substance abuse history, the extent to which the offender uses, determining diagnoses of substance use disorder and identifying any medical or psychological issues from which the defendant suffers.
A qualified criminal defense attorney like John W. Tumelty will determine your eligibility for drug court. He will guide you through the application process and all the subsequent steps. Mr. Tumelty will fight to ensure you get into the program.
You may not think you have a problem. However, if you are convicted of drug charges in New Jersey and are facing jail time, it’s worth a call with Mr. Tumelty to learn more about your options. Drug courts provide access to 12-step programs, relapse prevention, residential rehab and withdrawal management programs.
John Tumelty has the knowledge, compassion and dedication to fight for addicted clients facing serious drug charges. He will help you to overcome your legal hurdles so you can get the help you need. Contact him today for a free consultation.