What Are Drug Courts and What Do They Do?

Drug courts in Georgia are those which are given the job of handling cases involving drug-users to help them change their destructive behavior. This is done through judicial intervention, supervision, drug testing, and drug treatment programs. A team approach of judges, district attorneys, public defenders, case workers, probation officers, and drug treatment providers is used to help drug abusers break their habit, avoid future drug offenses and to find useful employment. Drug courts use diversion programs to keep eligible offenders out of prison. Only nonviolent drug offenders who have not engaged in drug sales are eligible for these types of programs in Georgia. Those who do qualify must pay for all or part of their treatment programs.

The adult drug court program serves the metropolitan Atlanta area for those charged with felony drug crimes. These are crimes which involve the possession of such illegal drugs as cocaine, opiates, amphetamines and other narcotics. District Attorneys in the local area are given the responsibility for determining who is eligible to participate in Drug Court programs, based on the specific facts of the case. Many times an assistant DA is designated to handle drug-abuse cases and liaises with the Drug Court unit.

Defendants may enter a Drug Court program on a pre-trial diversion basis where they do not make a plea of innocence or guilt. If they successfully complete the treatment program, the charges against them may be dismissed. Defendants may also enter the program post-plea sentencing or post-adjudication, where sentences are deferred or suspended until the completion of the program.

Getting the Legal Help You Need in Atlanta Drug Possession Cases

If you have been arrested and charged with drug possession in Atlanta, you may eligible for a drug diversion program which can help you avoid a drug conviction and put you on the road to recovery. Consulting with an experienced Atlanta criminal defense attorney like Attorney Matt McNally should be your first step following such charges. Mr. McNally focuses specifically on drug cases in his criminal defense practice and knows how to achieve the best results in handling them. He will work tirelessly on your behalf and in your best interests in any drug possession case or other criminal charges as well.