WHAT IS A DRUG DIVERSION PROGRAM?

Jan. 26, 2018

Many different people from all walks of life can find themselves facing drug charges. Even if they are the result of a one-time mistake, for example, at a college, or an ongoing bad habit that a person was trying to keep secret, these charges can run a person’s professional and personal life, even if the person accused is a first-time offender.

Fortunately, many of the courts in the area will offer a drug diversion program to a criminal defendant under certain circumstances. The details of whether a person is eligible for a drug diversion program and what terms and conditions they will be expected to follow if admitted are really best discussed with a criminal defense attorney.

In general, however, suspects who are first-time offenders with a minor drug charge, and usually not one that involves drug trafficking, are most likely to be eligible for a drug diversion program. What terms the person will have to follow, and for how long, will vary, but they will generally include requirements that the person stay out of legal trouble, submit to random or regular drug screening, get appropriate treatment and possibly do other things like work on job skills or pay fees.

The end result of being in a drug diversion program depends on whether a person completes it successfully. If he or she manages to follow through on the requirements, the reward is generally that he or she avoids a criminal conviction or, at least, gets a huge break at sentencing.

On the other hand, failing a program will usually mean a person is exposed to additional punishment and, in all likelihood, will not have an opportunity at that point to demand a trial on the charges.

Related Posts: Was I subject to an illegal search and seizure?, Defending against drug offenses, Man faces serious drug charges after police investigation, Protecting your right against unreasonable search and seizure