How Adult Drug Treatment Courts Benefit Dallas-Area Defendants

Drug-related crimes can lead to jail time and criminal records that forever limit an individual’s opportunities in life. Fortunately, some people accused of offenses related to controlled substances in Texas may have an alternative available to them.

Defendants in the Dallas Metroplex area may potentially be eligible for adult drug treatment court proceedings instead of a traditional criminal trial. Seeking adjudication in the Texas adult drug treatment courts can be a beneficial option for those whose addiction problem has led to criminal charges.

Adults struggling with substance abuse disorders are at greater risk of criminal prosecution than the general public. Along with charges for drug possession and distribution, the side effects of chemical dependence or withdrawal can lead to impulsive decision-making that includes many different kinds of criminal activity. Theft offenses, for example, have a strong association with chemical dependence, as people may steal either the substance that they abuse or resources so that they can acquire that substance.

Generally speaking, adult drug court is only available to those accused of nonviolent criminal offenses. Defendants seeking adjudication in the adult treatment courts must also undergo an assessment that validates their claim of struggling with a substance abuse disorder. The adult treatment courts focus on addressing the addiction that contributes to criminal activity rather than just punishing those who have violated the law.

Those facing first-time charges, and those with only minor criminal records, could be eligible for adjudication in the treatment courts instead of traditional prosecution. The goal is to help the defendant overcome their addiction problem through structured support and accountability. Drug court proceedings require that defendants fulfill numerous requirements, including:

• Drug and alcohol education courses

• Group recovery meetings

• Individual therapy sessions

• Randomized drug screening

• Regular attendance of specialized court proceedings overseen by the same judge

• Stable housing and employment

The entire process can easily take 18-24 months, sometimes longer, which can be burdensome to some. However, the prospective benefits of the adult drug treatment courts include avoiding a standard criminal conviction and bypassing the various criminal penalties that the courts could impose. 

Those accused of drug crimes or offenses related to substance abuse should discuss their charges with a Texas criminal defense attorney as quickly as possible.

Grob and & Associates Law Firm PC represents North Texas residents accused of drug crimes and other criminal offenses. Please call 972-777-5701 or contact us online to discuss your legal options. Our offices are in Rockwall and Wylie.