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- Wendy C. 
Los Angeles Drug Crime Defense Lawyers 
Frequently Asked Questions
The following FAQ's were collected from websites of the Superior Courts throughout the state of California:
- What is Drug Court?
- Who pays for Drug Court and what does it cost?
- Why do we need a Drug Court?
- Are Violent and/or Serious Offenders Eligible for Drug Court?
- What is the Treatment Program?
- What does Treatment include?
- What happens at graduation from Drug Court?
Frequently Asked Questions
A Drug Court is a special court given the responsibility of select felony and misdemeanor cases involving non-violent drug-using offenders. The program includes frequent random drug testing, judicial and probation supervision, drug treatment counseling, educational and vocational opportunities, and the use of sanctions and incentives.
The Judge is actively involved in supervising drug court offenders; rather than defendant's being placed unsupervised, in a probationary or diversionary program for drug treatment.
After the successful completion of the criminal drug court program, which is a minimum of 12 months, the drug charge is dismissed.
2. Who pays for Drug Court and what does it cost?
Depending on the treatment provider, the participant may pay a minimal fee each week to the provider to aid in the therapeutic aspect as well as to help off-set costs. Efforts are being made to standardize this fee.
The connection between drug addiction and crime is supported by numerous statistics. 60-85 percent of all crimes at the state and local level are drug-related, committed by individuals who test positive for drug use at the time of arrest.
The cycle of drug use and criminality cannot be broken under the current revolving door system, where those arrested for drugs are continually going in and out of the criminal justice system, unexposed to treatment. This system is extremely expensive for the taxpayer and does not work since recidivism is quite high on these kinds of cases.
4. Are Violent and/or Serious Offenders Eligible for Drug Court?
The answer is "No". Almost all Drug Courts exclude offenders charged with sales of drugs, possession for sale of drugs, or other serious offenses.
Funding under the Crime Bill excludes participation by any offender that has been charged with a violent offense or who has a prior conviction for a violent crime, except domestic violence.
Drug Courts are tougher on offenders; it is hard work getting and staying clean and sober.
5. What is the Treatment Program?
The courts and their treatment providers provide drug intervention programs designed to provide an early opportunity for treatment and a cost effective alternative to traditional criminal case processing. The criteria for program participation has been established cooperatively by the Court, the Public Defender's office, the District Attorney's Office, the City Attorney's Office, the Probation Department and local law enforcement officers.
Local law enforcement officers participate as Drug Court Liaison Officers and members of the Drug Court's Law Enforcement Advisory Board. They help supervise the program participants in the community.
6. What does Treatment include?
Treatment services include:
- Group therapy
- Individual therapy
- Case Management - Health
- Job training and Employment assistance
- Urine Drug testing-on-site (quantitative and immediate results)
- Education
- Placement in residential treatment facilities
Clients are responsible for their development and participation in the treatment process. Regular status hearings are held with the Judge, and the Drug Court Team. Status hearings offer the client encouragement for continuing growth. Sanctions are imposed for relapses, use incidents, failure to attend, or if the client regresses.
Clients successfully completing the program will have broken the addiction cycle, maintained employment, and become active, productive members of society. Chemical Dependency is treated as a primary, chronic, lifelong disease. Group therapy, education, individual counseling, and a community-based approach are the basic tools offered for behavioral changes. AA/NA involvement is stressed as the fundamental tool of lifelong recovery.
7. What happens at graduation from Drug Court?
A defendant who successfully completes the Drug Court Program will have his or her criminal case dismissed. Graduation is a recognition of the participants' accomplishments. Post graduation activities include an alumni association, aftercare plans and mentoring projects.
If you have been arrested for a drug offense in Los Angeles, please call us immediately for a FREE CONSULTATION at (888) 579-4844.
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Drug Crimes Resource Center
- Los Angeles Drug Offenses Overview
- Los Angeles Drug Offenses FAQs
- Los Angeles Cocaine Charges
- Driving Under the Influence of Drugs in Los Angeles
- Drug Diversion Program in Los Angeles
- Drug Paraphernalia Charge in Los Angeles
- Los Angeles Drug Possession
- Los Angeles Drug Sales
- Los Angeles Drug Trafficking
- Marijuana Charges in Los Angeles
- Meth Charges in Los Angeles
- Los Angeles Prescription Drug Fraud
- Los Angeles Drug Offenses Resources
