It is no secret that jails and prisons throughout the country are full of men and women who have been convicted of nonviolent crimes. These individuals are often on the receiving end of laws and sanctions that punish alleged actions with sentences that may far exceed the individuals’ alleged criminal acts. Many are individuals who have been charged and convicted of drug offense.
In Arkansas, not every person who is facing a drug charge will have to experience the full possible sentence associated with their alleged acts. They may qualify for drug abatement programs, otherwise known as drug courts, to have their sentences mitigated. This post will go over more information about these programs but in no way should readers take this information to be legal guidance or advice.
Individuals who qualify for drug abatement programs generally have to plead guilty to certain associated charges in exchange for the opportunity to participate. Many do not have to serve any time in jail, but rather, agree to be treated for drug abuse problems. Individuals who are enrolled in drug abatement programs must follow schedules of drug testing to ensure that they have not relapsed or engaged in other illegal conduct.
Not everyone who is charged with a drug crime will have the option of seeking support through a drug abatement program. Rather, individuals may have to advocate for their own rights and interests to get into these alternative forms of rehabilitation. With the help of their drug and criminal defense attorneys, some men and women may be able to secure help rather than incarceration for their convictions on nonviolent drug charges.
