Alternatives to Incarceration in Drug Cases

When you have been charged with a drug crime, the consequences can be severe. Contact our firm today to schedule a consultation with an attorney who will guide you through this complex area of law and respond aggressively to secure a timely, cost-effective conclusion to your legal problem.

The serious consequences of a drug charge require you to retain an attorney who not only is experienced, but possesses insight as to how prosecutors build and litigate cases. Ed DeWerff, the founder of our law firm, served as a county prosecutor prior to establishing his Clarksville-based law firm. He knows what is at stake for his clients following a drug-related charge. He brings a comprehensive legal background coupled with a thorough knowledge of the law.

For your review, we have listed various resources on the complexities of drug-related offenses.

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There may be more to your drug possession or trafficking charge than just the intent to commit a crime. Many clients who contact us are suffering an addiction. Our job is to tell their story to the court while aggressively protecting their rights against illegal search and seizure. At the Law Office of Edward E. DeWerff, we get to the facts and fight for the best outcome on behalf of Tennessee residents facing lengthy prison stays.

If you are suffering from an addiction or feel that your rights have been violated in a drug bust, contact criminal defense lawyer Ed DeWerff today. We will investigate all aspects of your case, including identifying various aspects of the arrest that may have involved illegal search and seizure.

Since the late 1980s, there has been a dramatic shift in the American justice system's approach to drug crimes. Drug courts, which operate or are being planned in all 50 states, offer an alternative to traditional incarceration. By providing a structure that emphasizes substance abuse treatment and on-going supervision, drug courts aim to rehabilitate and reduce repeat offenses. To learn about the range of alternatives to jail that may be available to you, contact Law Office of Edward E. DeWerff in Clarksville, TN, today to schedule a consultation with a criminal defense attorney.

The Drug Court Model

The first drug court was established in Miami, Florida, in 1989. First developed as a way to relieve increased felony caseloads and overcrowded jails and prisons, the drug court movement has gained tremendous momentum throughout the United States. In the decades since then, drug courts now operate, or are being planned, in all 50 states.

Recognizing that incarceration alone has not been an effective solution to breaking the cycle of drug abuse and crime, the drug court model combines criminal justice and medical treatment approaches. Together, it is believed, these methods can help individuals break their dependence on drugs and ultimately take back control of their lives.

While the specific programs and methods used by individual drug courts vary, the emphasis is cooperation by all parties — the court, prosecution, defendant and treatment providers — to rehabilitate individuals with substance abuse problems who have been charged with a drug crime. Drug court participants undergo long-term treatment (typically 12 months), counseling, frequent drug testing and regular court appearances. Related social and educational services may also be part of the process. The progress of each participant is regularly monitored and evaluated, and on-going interaction with judges is a common feature.

While drug courts have tended to focus on low-level and first-time offenders, individuals with more severe substance abuse issues and histories of criminal activity have increasingly come within the jurisdiction of drug courts.

Successful Outcomes

Participants who comply with drug court terms and conditions often have their sentences reduced or set aside, probation rescinded or charges dropped altogether. Depending on the particular drug court, approaches taken range from diversion to probation. In all cases, however, successful completion means an alternative to going to jail and the chance to break the cycle of addiction.

Contact a Criminal Defense Attorney

Being charged with a drug crime, whether or not it is your first offense, does not necessarily have to end in a jail sentence. With the growing emphasis on substance abuse treatment and other non-traditional approaches in the justice system, you may have options. Contact Law Office of Edward E. DeWerff in Clarksville, TN, today to schedule a consultation with a criminal defense lawyer to discuss alternatives to incarceration that may be available to you.

DISCLAIMER: This site and any information contained herein are intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Seek competent legal counsel for advice on any legal matter.

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