Is Drug Court an Option for You?

In Wisconsin, just as in the rest of the country, there has been a focus on criminal justice reform in recent years. Unlike the 1990s, when incarceration was viewed as an appropriate punishment for practically every crime, authorities are now re-evaluating what crimes should be punished with incarceration. In Eau Claire County, there are now Treatment Courts that help certain people facing charges as opposed to jailing them.

Eau Claire County has set up four Treatment Courts. They are:

●    Alternatives to Incarcerating Mothers

●    Mental Health and Substance Abuse

●    Substance Abuse Primary

●    Chippewa Valley Veterans Treatment Court

These special courts do exactly as their name promises. While they are a part of the criminal justice system, they are designed to help the people referred to them get their lives in order. The law seems to be recognizing that prison is not appropriate for certain categories of people or criminal offenses.

A criminal defendant is not automatically sent to a Treatment Court after certain offenses. Instead, they need to show that they meet certain criteria that would make them eligible. They must have their case referred.

Some Criteria for a Treatment Court

After a referral is made, the relevant Treatment Court will review whether the person meets the eligibility criteria and is a fitting candidate. Here are some of the things that the Treatment Court will review:

●    The defendant’s prior criminal record - if there is any possibility that they may be a violent offender, they may not qualify for Treatment Court.

●    The defendant must meet the criteria for a recognized substance abuse disorder (or should be highly probable to have the disorder) or a mental health disorder.

●    The defendant must be charged with a misdemeanor or nonviolent felony.

Getting referred to and accepted into a Treatment Court can make a big difference in your life when facing certain charges. It can mean the difference between going to jail and getting the help that you need to put your life back together. It means that you are in a system that wants to help you rather than punish you.

Your criminal defense attorney might work with the prosecutor to get your case referred to Treatment Court as part of the resolution of the charges against you. Sometimes, it is in society’s best interests for people to receive collaborative treatment rather than punishment, and your attorney could help make the case to the prosecutor and court. This will help you avoid some of the worst consequences of a conviction that can include jail time and a criminal record. You can be empowered to live a healthier life and not shuttle in and out of the criminal justice system.



Contact a Drug Charges Attorney Today

Call the experienced attorneys at Cohen Law Offices at (715) 514-5051 or contact us online to schedule your free initial consultation and see whether treatment may be a possibility in your case. If you have been arrested on drug charges, you need a criminal defense attorney on your side who understands the different options available to you.