If you’ve been incarcerated due to drug or alcohol-related offenses, you may be wondering how drug treatment programs can impact the outcome of your case. But DUI and drug-related charges aren’t the only reason you may be required to explain your addiction or substance use in front of a court. Defendants are often questioned about their addiction issues when facing anything from a child custody battle to a divorce proceeding. At the McConnell Law Firm, our criminal defense lawyers in Wichita, Kansas, have detailed everything you need to know about rehabilitation drug programs and how they can impact your criminal case. Learn more below!
Navigating Court-Ordered Rehab
Court-ordered rehab programs are a way for defendants suffering from addiction or substance abuse issues to receive proper treatment under the supervision of the court. In exchange for attending drug treatment, the defendant will not face prison time, but instead will be encouraged to address the underlying issue to decrease their chances of returning to court. Over the past decades, drug courts were created to alleviate the rise of drug cases that result in prison overcrowding. By offering a better alternative for individuals suffering from addiction issues, the courts can help reduce overcrowding while decreasing criminal behavior.
Types of Court-Ordered Rehab
When it comes to court-ordered rehab, each program is personalized based on the specific needs of each defendant and the circumstances of their case. Because of this, treatment options may vary from a one-day class to intensive outpatient treatment to full-time inpatient treatment, depending on the defendant’s history of drug use and mental health evaluation. During treatment, individuals are supervised by the court and the addiction treatment staff to ensure their progress is properly monitored. The most common types of court-ordered rehab programs include:
Drug Diversion Program—This rehabilitation program is intended for offenders who haven’t previously attended similar programs or individuals not being charged with a felony. When ordered to attend such a program, offenders are monitored by the Drug Diversion Department and may have the charges dismissed if they complete the program successfully.
Inpatient Rehab and Detox—Offenders with severe drug or alcohol dependencies may be ordered to go to a medically supervised detox facility or receive inpatient treatment. This will help individuals avoid harsher sentencing or spending time in prison altogether.
Community Service and Educational Training—The most frequently ordered drug rehab programs for offenders charged with driving while under the influence of alcohol or for those charged with possession of drugs are community service or educational programs. These programs can last extended periods of time and could result in the dismissal of charges after being successfully completed through a diversion agreement.
Can Rehabilitation Drug Treatment Impact My Case?
While seeking out help for an alcohol or drug-related problem can be incredibly beneficial for individuals battling substance abuse issues, it can positively impact the outcome of your pending criminal case. The courts look favorably on proactively seeking out treatment, as it shows that the offender has no intention of making the same mistakes again. Not only does taking a proactive approach help to rid defendants of their substance abuse issues, but rehab focuses on helping patients modify their harmful attitudes and beliefs and improve their judgment and decision-making skills.
“The court likes accurate evaluations with a substantive program,” said founding criminal defense lawyer at the McConnell Law Firm, Jonathan W. McConnell. “Communicate with your attorney about being candid with the evaluator and ensure you contribute to the most accurate assessment. It’s wise to preemptively get a drug evaluation after a DUI or drug-related offense because it shows you’re being proactive.”
Have You Been Accused?
If you have been charged in a criminal case, we encourage you to contact the McConnell Law Firm as soon as possible. While every case is different, and no conclusions should be drawn without first consulting a Wichita criminal defense lawyer about the specifics of your case, it is always in your best interest to have a skilled attorney by your side from the beginning.
