When authorities in Pennsylvania charge you with a drug-related offense, quite a bit is at stake. If convicted, you may have to pay steep fines, participate in substance abuse treatment programs and serve time in jail or prison, among other possible penalties. However, depending on the circumstances surrounding your arrest and history, you may have the option of enrolling in the York County Drug Wellness Court.
Per York County, the Drug Wellness Court may be an option for you if the drug charge you have did not involve violence and you are willing to admit you have a substance dependency.
How the Drug Wellness Court works
If you gain entry into Drug Wellness Court in York County, expect to remain in the program for somewhere between 18 and 24 months. How fast you progress in the program determines how long you have to stay in it. During that time, you must undergo extensive treatment for your substance use disorder. You also have to appear periodically in front of a judge. Along the way, you may receive rewards for progress and good behavior and sanctions for failing to comply with all terms of the program.
How well Drug Wellness Court works
Research suggests that Drug Wellness Court is a highly effective alternative to traditional imprisonment because it addresses what is often the root cause of criminal behavior: substance dependency. While drug offenders who go through traditional court proceedings relapse 75% of the time, 75% of offenders who complete drug court never re-enter the criminal justice system.
If you face a nonviolent drug-related criminal charge and are fearful of spending time behind bars, you may want to see if drug court is a possibility for you.