How NJ Drug Court Graduates are Hitting Reset on Their Lives
In an effort to better get to the true root of drug crimes and rehabilitate offenders motivated by their addictions, New Jersey has instituted a “drug court” system. NJ Drug Court allows offenders arrested for directly drug-related crimes to pursue an alternate route instead of jail time through the NJ Drug Court system. According to New Jersey Courts, the mission of these drug courts is to stop the abuse of alcohol and other drugs related to criminal activity.
Villani & DeLuca P.C. represents clients who have been charged with serious drug charges such as Possession of Illegal Drugs, Possession of Prescription Drugs, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Distribution, Manufacturing or Dispensing throughout Monmouth County and Ocean County including Point Pleasant, Toms River and Brick New Jersey. Is drug court an option for you? Contact our NJ criminal defense lawyers at [dyna_phone phone=’1′ format=’dashed’] to schedule your complimentary initial consultation and find out if you qualify for NJ Drug Court.
Special Conditions (N.J.S.A. 2C:35-14 and N.J.S.A. 2C:45-1)
According to guidelines of the Drug Court Manual, a defendant may be eligible for drug court under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-14 (Special Probation for prison-bound offenders) or N.J.S.A. 2C:45-1 (Ordinary Probation). Although it is considered an alternative to prison, the drug court option in NJ should be taken very seriously; normal conditions of probation do not apply under this program. Graduates spend years meeting court-appointed probation officers, attending drug treatments multiple times a week, sticking to curfews, all while trying to lead a normal life. All cases that go through the NJ drug court are supervised (similar to probation) where progress is monitored consistently, including:
• Frequent and random drug testing
• Home visits
• Maintenance of steady employment
• Participation in a drug and/or alcohol treatment program
• Participation in a mental health program
• Set curfews
• Frequent court check-ins
Failure to comply with any of the above conditions could result in issuance of a warrant for an arrest, immediate incarceration, admission to a treatment program or increased supervision including additional drug monitoring or reporting frequency.
Voluntary Drug Programs
The first voluntary drug court programs in New Jersey were launched by the Camden and Essex court vicinages in 1996. The programs went statewide just six years later, and are offered in court to non-violent offenders for drug-related cases. So far, the NJ drug court success has seen no less than 325 people graduate from the Camden County court vicinage program.
NJ Drug Court Attorney
If you have been arrested for possessing drugs or have a drug addiction that has led to other criminal activity, consider talking to a NJ Drug Court attorney. The lawyers at Villani Deluca are well-versed in the NJ Drug Court system and can help you stay out of jail. The firm of Villani & DeLuca has experienced criminal lawyers with over 20 years of experience, including a former municipal prosecutor. Read more about drug offense charges and call [dyna_phone phone=’1′ format=’dashed’] today to schedule a free consultation to get the help you need!
