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Is drug court an option for you?

As someone who is currently facing a Florida drug charge, you may see a broad range of consequences, if convicted. Jail time, fines and mandatory substance abuse treatment are just a few of the penalties you could potentially face, but in some cases, you may be able to avoid at least some of these penalties by enrolling in a Florida drug court.

Just what is drug court, and how can it help you kick your addiction and rebuild your life?

Understanding drug court

Unlike prison sentences and many other penalties often handed down for drug-related crimes, drug courts hold you accountable for your actions, but they also give you a chance at a better future by targeting your drug addiction itself. Typically, by participating in drug court, you agree to undergo periodic drug testing and make regular appearances before a judge, and in doing so, you may be able to avoid having to serve time behind bars.

How drug courts help

In addition to helping you beat your addiction and essentially forcing you to take accountability for your actions, drug courts can make you more likely to return to school, find suitable housing or obtain financial stability. If you are a parent who is also a drug court participant, your entire family can benefit from your partaking in the program. In addition to improving family reunification rates, drug courts typically reduce the amount of time any kids you have may have to spend in the care of someone else, such as a foster parent. Drug courts can also help reduce the number of babies who are born to drug-addicted parents, improving their health outcomes and, as a result, their overall quality of life.

While these are some of the main benefits of participating in drug court, please note that this is not a comprehensive list of all possible benefits. If you are facing a drug-related criminal charge, it may prove worthwhile to find out whether drug court might be an option for you.

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