With the drug epidemic sweeping our nation today, prisons have become overcrowded. This problem has forced states to come up with their own alternative solutions to imprisonment for lesser crimes. One of the alternative forms of punishment and rehabilitation for misdemeanor and non-violent drug charges in the state of Michigan is the Adult Drug Treatment Court Program.
In order to become a participant in this program, a Defendant must plead guilty to his or her charge. The Defendant will be represented by an attorney throughout the plea process. His or her attorney may file to dismiss the conviction upon successful completion of the program. Participants may also be Department of Corrections probationers or parolees who were sentenced to participation in the program as a requirement of probation or parole.
Participants can expect to go through a drug treatment program, attend sessions at least twice per week, submit to regular urinalysis drug screens and report to program staff as scheduled. Further, if a participant is referred to any other community agency for any reason, he or she must follow through with that referral.
The advantage of the Michigan Adult Drug Treatment Court Program is that participants who complete the program are given a fresh start without incarceration. An attorney who is experienced in handling drug crimes can assist a Defendant in applying for and obtaining acceptance to this program. If you have been charged with a misdemeanor or non-violent drug offense, consult with an attorney as soon as possible to determine what needs to be done to keep you out of jail.
