After being arrested and charged with a drug crime in Minnesota, you may wonder what type of penalties you may face. You may also feel concerned about your future and how you may rebuild your life in a positive manner.
Depending on the nature of your circumstances, you may be able to participate in an adult drug court, officially referred to as a treatment court. The state offers many types of treatment courts for different situations.
The goal of adult drug court
As explained by the Minnesota Judicial Branch, a criminal sentence typically focuses on penalizing a person who has been convicted of a criminal offense. In contrast, a drug court program focuses on helping the defendant rehabilitate so they may create a better life for themselves. Emphasis is placed on treating an underlying substance addiction that may have played a role in the criminal activity. Crow Wing County established its adult drug court program in 2006.
Components of a drug court
If you participate in an adult drug court, you may attend substance treatment courses or programs designed to help you overcome your addiction to drugs. You must regularly connect with a court representative and remain sober while in the program. Drug testing during the program does occur to confirm your ongoing sobriety.
A multi-agency effort
Many entities may participate in the drug court program. These include social workers, public defenders, prosecutors and probation officers.
More information about the drug courts and how they work may be found on the treatment courts page of our Minnesota drug charges and criminal defense website.