When you face a Florida drug charge, you may have serious concerns about having to spend time in jail or prison, among other possible penalties. Yet, depending on your history and the details surrounding your drug-related arrest, you may be eligible to enroll in an adult drug court program, which may have a positive effect on your case.
Per the Eleventh Judicial Circuit of Florida, Miami-Dade County’s Drug Court Program is a voluntary program available to some drug offenders that may help keep you out of jail or prison.
Who might be eligible for drug court
You may be able to enroll in an adult drug court in Miami-Dade County if you are facing a charge for buying and possessing drugs, and that charge is non-violent in nature. You also must not have an existing history of violent offenses or any past arrests for drug sales or drug trafficking to qualify. Furthermore, having more than two non-drug-related felony offenses in your past also makes you ineligible to enroll in drug court. Also, the State Attorney has to agree to divert your case away from the traditional court system and believe that you are a strong candidate for the program.
How drug court works
If you gain entry into drug court, you must undergo intensive supervision throughout the program’s duration. This typically includes appearing in court regularly, taking drug tests when ordered and otherwise keeping up with all program compliance requirements. If you complete the program, the treatment counselor you work with during its duration may ask the judge to discharge your case.
While completing drug court may help you avoid serious criminal repercussions, it may also help you develop the tools and gain access to the resources you need to overcome your substance dependency.
