Is A Drug Offense Eligible For Drug Court Adjudication

Maryland has strict laws regulating illicit and controlled substances. People who possess prescription drugs without a recommendation from a physician and those involved with prohibited drugs in any manner are at risk of prosecution.

In some cases, specific, unique details about an individual’s circumstances can influence how the Baltimore County courts handle pending drug charges. Some defendants may even be eligible for drug court proceedings instead of a traditional criminal trial.

Who might have the option of undergoing treatment-focused court oversight instead of facing a standard criminal sentence?

The goal is to assist with rehabilitation

Baltimore County offers drug treatment court proceedings as an alternative for adult drug defendants who meet certain standards. The defendant must be at least 18 years of age. Typically, only non-violent offenders are generally eligible for drug treatment court. In some cases, individuals who have a prior violent offense on their record that is at least five years old could be eligible for drug treatment court.

The most important requirement is evidence that an individual struggles with a substance abuse disorder. Drug treatment court requires monthly court meetings, submission to randomized drug screening and the completion of a court-ordered treatment plan. Defendants who successfully complete drug treatment court can avoid incarceration and may be eligible for other opportunities, such as the state dismissing the charges against them after the completion of the drug court program.

Discussing a pending criminal charge and substance abuse challenges with a criminal defense attorney can help defendants explore their options. Drug court is one of several solutions that can reduce the long-term consequences of Maryland drug charges.