If you live in Texas and are currently facing criminal charges relating to drug possession, drug sales or a similar offense, you may have concerns about whether you may have to serve time behind bars, if convicted. While this is a distinct possibility, you may, depending on certain factors, be able to take part in drug court as opposed to spending time in jail. The details of your crime and whether you are a repeat offender are among the considerations that ultimately determine whether you can participate in drug court. However, if you are eligible, participating may help keep you out of prison while giving you the tools you need to fight your addiction at the same time.
Today’s jails and prisons are full of offenders who may not otherwise be there had they not had serious drug addictions that played a role in their criminal behavior. Drug courts, which involve regular drug testing and periodic appearances before a judge, seek to combat the overcrowding issue plaguing so many American prisons while helping addicts kick drug habits for good. Additionally, if you participate in drug court, you may be able to help:
Reduce crime in your area
Drug courts have proven, long-lasting effects on crime, and studies indicate that the reduction in crime that follows drug court participation can last anywhere between three and 14 years. Furthermore, drug courts have reduced crime by as much 35 percent in the communities where they operate in comparison to alternative options.
Reunite your family
Your family and children may benefit, too, from your decision to participate in drug court. In fact, you are 50 percent more likely to reunite with your children if you participate in drug court than if you do not, and your children are also far less likely to have to spend long periods living in the care of a foster family or another type of out-of-home placement.
If you are facing drug-related criminal charges, consider finding out if you may be able to join a drug court program. It just may help you beat your drug addiction once and for all.
