Getting Treatment for a Drug Problem Before Your First Appearance

If you end up in court on drug charges, the judge will have a large say over their future. There are a number of options that they have, and the effects of their choice would remain with you for years. The overall presentation that you make to the judge could be the determining factor in their decision.

People who end up in court on drug charges usually have a substance abuse issue that needs treatment. Now, more than ever, courts are focusing on treatment more than punishment in drug cases, recognizing that it best helps people deal with the underlying problem.

Treatment Can Only Help Your Legal Cause

The bottom line is that getting treatment for a drug issue before court certainly could never hurt your case. It would give your attorney something to approach the prosecutor with in the hopes of getting the charges dropped or lower. After all, one option that the court would be considering is ordering you to rehab anyway.

The prosecutor may also learn that you are committed to addressing the root cause of the problem. As a result, you may be at a lower risk of being arrested again in the future. So long as you complete your rehab, the prosecutor could drop the charges or even be willing to request a diversion program for you.

Treatment Could Show that You Are Serious About Making Changes

If you end up in front of a judge, getting treatment on your own would also show the judge that you are committed to putting your life back together. The judge could also order a diversion program for you or impose a minimal sentence. Getting treatment sends an unmistakable signal to the judge. Eau Claire County has a drug treatment court that is an alternative to the usual criminal justice system. Your best legal outcome usually involves having your case transferred there.

If the charges against you are more serious, drug treatment can still help. You may end up in front of a judge for sentencing if you are convicted, and one thing that they will be looking at is remorse. This is again where getting drug treatment shows a commitment to do better in the future.

Of course, you may still end up with a number of conditions if you are released due to treatment, and you may have to undergo random drug tests as part of your program. Nonetheless, this would be a much better outcome than a prison sentence. In a best-case scenario, you may even be able to avoid getting a criminal record.

If you have been arrested on drug charges, an attorney could advise you of the best steps to take, so the court will opt for treatment over prison.

Contact a Drug Charges Attorney Today

Call the experienced drug charges attorneys at Cohen Law Offices at (715) 514-5051 or contact us online to schedule your free initial consultation. We can explain your legal options and the ways that you might act on your own before your court date to help improve the outcome of your case.