If you’re facing drug charges here in Phoenix, you’re likely concerned about what the future holds. Arizona is one of many states that give some drug offenders a second chance.
You may be able to participate in the Maricopa County Adult Drug Court. It’s for people facing low-level drug charges who want to get help for their addiction.
Who’s eligible for participation?
Anyone wishing to participate in the county’s drug court must be an area resident. They must also be facing felony charges with at least a 2-year minimum probation sentence. Any candidate must also qualify as a medium- to high-risk assessment and have a moderate to severe substance use history.
Maricopa County prohibits anyone facing sales or first-strike Prop 200 offenses from qualifying for participation in drug court. Some individuals with additional treatment issues, such as sex offenders and those with mental illness concerns, may not be eligible for participation.
What does it entail?
Participants in drug court must undergo drug testing, participate in outpatient counseling and take health education classes as part of their enrollment in this program. Participants may receive praise or rewards, including decreased reporting, acceleration through the program or shortened probation for doing well in it.
The court may impose sanctions upon those participants who experience setbacks, including:
- Writing assignments
- Incarceration
- Curfews
- Community restitution
Participants can complete the program in as little as a year and have a misdemeanor designation imposed instead of a felony one.
Is the Maricopa County Adult Drug Court right for you?
Drugs can be highly addictive. You might have decided to try a drug on a whim, become addicted and couldn’t figure out how to get your life back on track again. There’s hope for people like you. You may want to discuss whether participating in drug court is the right defense strategy option for you in your case with your attorney and, if so, how to begin the application process.