Whether you received a felony conviction for a DUI or drug possession, the consequences of criminal offenses can affect your life in a negative way. A felony conviction on your criminal record makes it difficult to find employment. New Jersey reduces felony charges to misdemeanors if the individual completes a drug rehabilitation program. Learn more about this program to discover how your felony charge can be reduced to a misdemeanor.
Drug and Alcohol Addiction
Drug and alcohol addiction can ruin your personal and professional life. An addiction occurs when an individual becomes dependent on a controlled substance such as marijuana, prescription drugs or alcohol. The negative consequences of addiction include financial loss, legal implications, incarceration and loss of employment. Addiction hurts your reputation and often leads to divorce or the loss of parental rights.
Legal Consequences
There are a variety of legal consequences when an individual is charged with a felony for a DUI or drug possession.
• Most DUI and drug possession charges result in an arrest and the individual is required to spend a certain amount of time in jail.
• The cost to post bail is expensive and eligibility is based on the discretion of the judge.
• The individual is required to pay probation fees and report to a probation officer if the judge sentences the defendant to community supervision instead of incarceration.
• The punishment for drug possession is six months to five years in prison if the judge sentences the defendant to incarceration.
• The punishment for a DUI is 30 days in jail for the first offense, 90 days in jail for the second offense, and up to six months in prison for the third offense.
• The individual is required to pay the cost of drug rehabilitation if a court order is issued by the judge.
• The defendant pays the court costs and attorney fees associated with the criminal charge.
New Jersey Drug Court Program
The Drug Court Program in New Jersey is a rehabilitation program for individuals that committed a drug-related crime. The program is available to non-violent offenders with a moderate or severe addiction. An evaluator preforms an assessment and notifies the attorney if the defender meets the eligibility requirements.
A reduced charge from a felony conviction to a misdemeanor is not guaranteed for all participants and is based on the discretion of the judge. The participants complete the program in two years and must fulfill all the requirements of the program. The requirements of the program include regular attendance in drug court, community supervision and completion of an approved rehabilitation program.
Participants report to drug court regularly and comply with the orders issued by the court. Individuals report their progress in the program and continue to report to court throughout the course of the program. Participants attend drug court weekly during the first phase of the program and report less frequently when they transition into other phases.
The program requirements include community supervision. Individuals report to a probation officer weekly or monthly. Participants are required to pass routine drug tests, pay probation fees and perform community service. A probation violation might result in a revocation and the participant is required to serve time in prison. Other consequences for a probation violation include additional time added to your probation. community service and probation fees.
The participant must complete an approved drug rehabilitation program. An approved rehabilitation program includes outpatient and inpatient treatment. An inpatient treatment program requires individuals remain in the treatment center under constant supervision. An outpatient treatment center schedule appointments with participants and monitors their progress. Most rehabilitation programs include medication management and counseling. Participants are required to attend self-help meetings such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA).
The Advantages of Drug Rehabilitation
There are a variety of advantages of a drug rehabilitation program.
• An inpatient drug rehabilitation program is ideal for an individual that needs to detox in a safe environment.
• Participants can continue their normal routine in an outpatient drug rehabilitation program.
• Individuals receive counseling and learn how to manage their addiction.
• Medication is available to help people manage withdrawal symptoms.
A charge is reduced from a felony to a misdemeanor if the individual meets specific requirements. Participants are required to attend drug court, report to a probation officer and complete a drug rehabilitation program. Contact the New Jersey Court at 833-610-1174 today to start the program.