Those convicted of drug crimes in Los Angeles face stiff penalties, the most serious of them being jail or prison time. In some cases, alternative sentencing can be an option for those convicted of drug crimes. A skilled California drug charges defense attorney can work with a judge to determine if alternative sentencing is an option for a drug crime defendant.
Drug courts in California provide an opportunity for those who abuse drugs or have a continuing addiction issue. This is an opportunity for these individuals to receive treatment services in lieu of jail time. Instead of going to prison, candidates are required to attend recovery meetings and undergo frequent and random drug tests. Candidates are also required to make multiple court appearances to demonstrate their progress. By successfully finishing a drug court program, a candidate may avoid jail time while having his or her penalties reduced; and they may even have their California drug crime conviction dismissed!
Drug court requires the collaboration of judges, lawyers, drug abuse specialists, health officers, counselors and probation officers to create an environment that encourages drug recovery and rehabilitation. By subjecting themselves to enhanced supervision, drug court candidates have a support system to help them sober up and get their life back on track – something incarceration can never accomplish. The success and popularity of drug courts is growing in many California communities.
If you are facing drug charges in Orange, Los Angeles or Ventura counties, please do not hesitate to contact experienced California drug crime defense attorneys at Sitkoff & Hanrahan. Call 1-866-430-8383 to find out if you may be eligible for drug court or any other form of alternative sentencing. We have helped several clients get in to drug court, seen them succeed and have their drug charges dismissed. Our goal is to keep you out of jail and get you the help you need.