Board-Certified Defense Attorney Represents Clients in Texas Drug Courts

Diversion programs in San Antonio, TX let offenders avoid jail and receive treatment

The war on drugs has claimed many victims, including nonviolent individuals with substance abuse problems, who were routinely given long prison sentences rather than the addiction treatment they needed. As a result, many individuals who could have turned their lives around if given treatment options were caught in a cycle of incarceration, release and re-arrest for subsequent violations. Fortunately, a 2001 Texas law required large municipalities to establish drug courts that offered alternatives to lengthy prison sentences for nonviolent offenders. Kevin L. Collins, P.C. in San Antonio advises clients on whether going to drug court is possible and advocates before judges to help achieve appropriate solutions for each case. If you have been arrested for a nonviolent drug crime, Kevin Collins can help you pursue a path aimed toward lasting recovery.

How drug courts operate in the San Antonio area

Each county in Texas sets the rules for its own drug court, but all have similar goals: to cut down on recidivism by helping offenders whose legal problems stem from substance abuse issues. Drug courts differ from criminal courts in that the emphasis is on rehabilitation rather than punishment. In these cases, drug courts deliver therapeutic justice by holding offenders accountable, while providing programs that help them overcome addiction and become contributing members of their families and communities.

Requirements for drug court

To your case to be heard in an adult drug court, you must receive a referral from the presiding judge in your criminal case. The basic requirements for this referral are:

• Be at least 17 years of age
• Be diagnosed with a moderate or severe substance use disorder
• Be charged with a misdemeanor offense
• Be a resident of the county in which the drug court is located

Factors that can disqualify a candidate include:

• Current or pending violent offense
• Current or pending felony charge

Admission to the drug court is entirely at the discretion of the presiding judge and the prosecutor. Experienced attorney Kevin L. Collins is prepared to make a persuasive case on your behalf, bringing to the court’s attention every factor that favors a drug court referral.

Advantages of going to drug court rather than criminal court

The most important advantage of drug court is that offenders can get treatment for their addictions rather than simply being punished for drug crimes. Drug courts help offenders:

• Get more personalized attention from their probation officer
• See a specialized probation officer with training in addiction
• Be assigned a case manager
• Attend drug education courses
• Enter a rehab program, receive counseling and attend group therapy
• Have fines, court costs and probation fees waived
• Be eligible for expunction of a criminal record upon completion of the program

Participants have to meet frequently with their judge and submit to random drug tests. For most participants, the drug court program lasts from six months to a year. In some cases, a positive drug court program could be the difference between life and death.

Youths apprehended on drug charges could face serious consequences. Kevin L. Collins represents minor clients in juvenile actions involving controlled substance allegations. These proceedings often help troubled young people turn their lives around and avoid a downward spiral of drug abuse and incarceration.

Contact a certified criminal defense lawyer for drug court representation in San Antonio

Kevin L. Collins, P.C. represents clients in the adult and juvenile drug courts throughout San Antonio. If you have been arrested on a drug charge, call immediately at 210-598-8629 or contact the office online. The law office is conveniently located at 130 East Travis Street in the heart of downtown San Antonio.