Many individuals find themselves drawn to drugs to mask pain and escape reality, attributes that can lead them down a path of addiction and criminal charges.
You may find it of some relief to learn that there is help for you if you find yourself in this predicament. You may qualify for participation in drug court.
What is drug court?
So-called “drug courts” are designed to give people whose addictions led to drug crimes a chance for treatment and recovery, instead of jail. Dearborn County runs what they refer to as its Accountability, Change, and Community (ACC) Court.
County officials see this program as a pathway to get defendants the treatment they need to return to being productive members of their families, communities and workplaces. Defendants that complete this program can have their criminal charges dismissed.
What is the eligibility for participation in ACC Court?
Only residents of Ohio County or Dearborn County in Indiana facing non-violent felony charges or a probation violation may participate in this alternative sentencing program.
Phase I lasts 12 weeks. Participants must attend both one bi-weekly individual session with a treatment counselor and two weekly group sessions. They must remain clean for four consecutive weeks, secure a sponsor and pay their fees to advance to Phase II.
The court requires Phase II participants to appear in court and attend individual counseling sessions once every other week for at least 12 weeks. They must attend at least one group session and three 12-step meetings each week. Participants who remain clean for eight consecutive weeks, have a relapse plan and maintain employment can apply to move into Phase III.
Phase III participants must appear in court at least once a month, attend group therapy sessions once every two weeks, three 12-step meetings each week and individual counseling as needed. Participants must remain clean for 16 weeks, retain their job, complete 40 hours of community service and pay all their court fines, fees and restitution to complete this minimum 28-week stage in the program.
Participants can also expect random home visits by a law enforcement officer or case manager and attend in-office meetings. Drug and alcohol testing may occur during these.
Do you qualify for participation in drug court?
County officials see it as a privilege to receive treatment and get your drug charges dismissed. Talk to an attorney about your situation and learn more about your legal options today.