Alternative Sentencing Options
Many individuals charged with a drug crime fear they will have to serve time in jail. While some drug offenders do serve time behind bars, not all drug offenders go to jail. Depending on the circumstances surrounding your case, you may be eligible for an alternative sentence. Alternative sentences were designed to help individuals overcome their drug problems by attending a drug treatment program instead of going to jail. Many people believe that when an individual gets the treatment he/she needs, he/she is less likely to commit another drug offense. The following is a short list of the most common alternative sentencing options available today.
Proposition 36
Proposition 36 was established to help people charged with non-violent drug crimes, as well as those who have committed a simple drug offense for the second time. Proposition 36 gives these people the option of seeking and attending a drug treatment program in conjunction with their probation, as opposed to serving time in jail. Once an individual has successfully completed the program, his/her charges will be dropped. However, if an individual commits a violent or serious drug crime, such as manufacturing, possession, or selling, he/she is ineligible to participate in a program under Prop 36.
Drug Court
The purpose of drug court is very similar to that of Prop 36. Drug court was established to handle cases that involve drug addicts/users. Drug court provides non-violent drug offenders with the opportunity to attend a drug treatment program as a part of their probation sentence, instead of serving time in jail. After an individual successfully completes the program, his or her case is dismissed.
Diversion
Diversion is another option people may choose to do in order to avoid going to prison. When a person chooses diversion, he or she is required to plead guilty to their drug charges. However, the court will put off sentencing the individual while he/she attends a drug diversion program. If the individual violates the terms of the program, he/she will be sentenced. However, if the program is successfully completed, then the individual’s case is dismissed and no convictions appear on his/her record.
PC 1000
Under Penal Code 1000, first-time drug offenders with no prior criminal record are permitted to attend a four month class that meets once a week, instead of serving time in jail. If an individual successfully completes the class, does not get charged with another criminal offense within 18 months, and pays all of his/her legal fees, the case will be dismissed by the court.
Contact our Orange County Drug Crime Attorneys
If you have been charged with a drug crime and are interested in learning more information about
alternative sentencing options, contact our
Orange County drug crime attorneys at Coffey & Coffey. Our attorneys will personally evaluate your case, and provide you with viable options, multiple resources, and the compassionate legal care you deserve.
Our attorneys have obtained successful results for clients in cities throughout
Orange County, including Anaheim, Newport Beach, Irvine, Costa Mesa, Santa Ana, Orange, Dana Point, Laguna Beach, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Yorba Linda, Brea, San Clemente, Huntington Beach, Tustin, Buena Park, Placentia, Laguna Niguel, Mission Viejo, San Clemente, Westminster, Stanton, Fountain Valley, La Habra, Los Alamitos, and many more.
Because We Specialize in Orange County Cases Only, We Have a Huge Advantage Over All Other Attorneys!
Contact our
Orange County drug crime attorneys at Coffey & Coffey today for your free case evaluation at
1-800-706-7888.