When you are faced with jail or prison time as a result of drug charges, an attorney who has regularly advised and represented clients in criminal drug law matters can help you to achieve a cost-effective and timely resolution. To learn more, contact our firm to schedule a consultation and case evaluation with an experienced criminal defense attorney.
Legal Information About the Defense of Drug Charges
You have been arrested on a drug charge. What next?
Obviously, you need a strong defense of your rights and freedom. You can help in that effort by understanding the legal issues in your case.
At my firm, Robert R. Hart Jr., Attorney at Law, I defend people accused of drug crimes, including possession of marijuana, drug dealing and illegal possession of prescription drugs. I always carefully explain the legal issues that will shape the outcome of a case to a client. This can help you make the right decisions about your legal representation.
Some general information about the defense of drug charges appears below. You probably have additional questions about your case.
In a free consultation, I can review your situation and discuss what my firm can do to defend your rights and freedom.
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For a free initial consultation with Robert R. Hart Jr., Attorney at Law in Cincinnati, Ohio, call 513-878-1421 or contact the firm online.
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There may constitutional issues in your case which can provide the means for a successful defense. I review all of these issues to determine if I can exclude damaging evidence or obtain a dismissal of the charge.
If chemical dependency led to your arrest, you may be eligible for a drug court or probation solution. I have helped many people obtain an outcome which provides drug treatment and avoids a conviction and jail time.
Alternatives to Incarceration in Drug Cases
Since the late 1980s, there has been a dramatic shift in the approach of the American justice system toward 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. Consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney at Robert R. Hart Jr. in Cincinnati, Ohio to learn about the range of alternatives to jail that may be available to you.
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 criminal activity have increasingly come within the drug court's efforts as well.
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.
Learn About Your Options
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. If you are facing a drug charge, call an attorney who is experienced in criminal defense at Robert R. Hart Jr. in Cincinnati, Ohio for help in understanding the alternatives available to you.
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