When you have a substance dependency, it may cause you to behave in ways you otherwise would never. Often, substance abuse is a driving factor in criminal behavior, and if you are currently facing a drug-related criminal charge in Florida as a result of your drug dependency, you may have options available to you that may help you get your life back on track.
According to the Law Offices of the Public Defender, Lee County operates a Felony Drug Court Program that may give you a potential alternative to spending time in jail or prison.
How drug court works
If you are able to gain entry into drug court in Lee County, expect to have to appear regularly before a judge or drug court administrator. Expect, too, to have to take random drug tests throughout the duration of the program in addition to attending substance abuse classes and otherwise following an agreed-upon treatment plan.
How to determine drug court eligibility
You may be eligible for drug court in Lee County if you are either facing a felony charge that is not violent in nature or if you are currently on probation due to a non-violent felony charge. Also, the charge you face must not have a mandatory minimum sentence for you to potentially enroll in drug court. You also must undergo screening to determine whether you are a strong candidate for a drug court program.
How long you must remain in drug court once you get there depends on certain variables. However, most participants find that the drug court program takes between about 14.5 and 24 months to complete.
