How to Get Treatment Instead of Jail for Drug Manufacturing

How to Get Treatment Instead of Jail for Drug Manufacturing

Getting busted for making drugs can land you in prison for a long time. But did you know there are alternatives to jail that focus on getting you help instead of just punishment? Treatment programs can give you the tools to turn your life around while avoiding a damaging criminal record. This article explains how drug treatment can keep you out of jail if you get caught manufacturing.

The Benefits of Drug Treatment Over Jail

Going to treatment for drug addiction has a bunch of advantages over serving time in jail. Here’s some of the main ones:

• You can get counseling and therapy to understand what drives your substance use and change your thinking and behaviors.
• Medication and other treatments can help you safely detox and manage cravings.
• You’ll be in a supportive environment with people going through similar struggles.
• You can work on developing skills for employment, finances, relationships and more for a stable life in recovery.
• Avoiding a criminal record improves your chances of getting a job, housing, and loans in the future.

Treatment gives you a chance to transform your life in a positive way. Jail often leads to more legal troubles and addiction down the road. So getting help instead of doing time can be life-changing if you commit to it.

How Drug Courts Divert People From Jail to Treatment

Many states have drug courts and diversion programs aimed specifically at getting substance users treatment as an alternative to incarceration. Here’s a quick overview of how they work:

• After an arrest for drug manufacturing or distribution, your defense lawyer can request you enter the drug court program.
• You’ll undergo an assessment to determine if you’re addicted to drugs and would benefit from treatment.
• If approved, you plead guilty but sentencing is deferred as you complete the treatment program, which typically lasts at least a year.
• The program requires frequent drug testing and court appearances to monitor your progress. Slips may result in sanctions like community service or short jail stays.
• Upon successful completion, the charges are often dismissed or reduced, and you avoid prison.

So instead of years behind bars, you get the chance to do intensive treatment and prove you can stay clean. It’s strict and not easy, but way better than the alternative. Over 75% of drug court participants remain arrest-free at least two years after the program.

How Your Defense Attorney Can Help

Having a knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer is key to getting into a diversion program instead of jail. Here are some of the ways an attorney can help:

• Negotiate with the prosecutor to recommend treatment or present it to the judge as an option.
• Gather evidence you’re addicted and would benefit from help.
• Find the best treatment programs to propose to the court.
• Advocate for your acceptance into the drug court program.
• Develop alternative sentencing proposals if diversion isn’t approved.

A lawyer who understands addiction and diversion programs will fight hard to get you help. They may bring up factors like:

• You manufacturing drugs to support your own habit, not for big profits.
• No history of drug dealing outside personal use.
• No violence or weapons involved.
• Positive factors like family support, employment, and motivation to recover.

Presenting you as someone who will turn their life around with treatment can convince the court to show leniency. An experienced attorney knows how to do this well.

Types of Drug Addiction Treatment Programs

If offered diversion to treatment, it helps to understand the types of programs available. Some common options include:

• Inpatient treatment – You live at a facility 24/7 for 1-3 months of intensive programming and services.
• Outpatient treatment – You attend structured programming for several hours multiple days per week and return home.
• Residential treatment – You live at a facility but have more freedom than inpatient. Treatment may last 6-12 months.
• Medication-assisted treatment – Drugs like methadone or Suboxone help manage cravings and withdrawal.
• 12-step programs – Programs like Narcotics Anonymous provide peer support for maintaining sobriety.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy – Changing unhealthy thought patterns that contribute to addiction.

Reputable treatment centers offer a customized combination of therapies, counseling, and other services. The court may evaluate your needs and recommend a program, but a defense attorney can also provide guidance.

How to Pay for Treatment

Drug rehab isn’t cheap, especially inpatient. But there are ways to make it more affordable:

• Many treatment centers work with state and local programs that subsidize costs for people in the criminal justice system.
• Health insurance may cover some addiction treatment. Have your lawyer assist with this.
• Look into low-cost treatment options offered by nonprofit groups, religious organizations, etc.
• Some facilities offer scholarships, payment plans, or sliding scale fees based on your income.
• Borrow money from 401Ks or other retirement accounts.
• Use credit cards or take out a loan.
• Ask family and friends to contribute – it’s worth it!

Don’t let money stop you from getting treatment if you need it. There are resources out there, and it’s a wise investment in your future.

What Happens If You Relapse?

Unfortunately, relapses and setbacks during treatment are common. But the court won’t simply send you to jail if you slip up. Sanctions get progressively more severe for repeated violations. For example:

• First relapse – Reprimand from judge and increased treatment requirements.
• Second relapse – Community service or work program assignment.
• Third relapse – One day in jail.
• Fourth relapse – Three days in jail.
• Fifth relapse – Discharge from the program and sentencing.

The judge has discretion based on circumstances. But the point is they want to see you succeed, so minor slips won’t land you in prison right away. But repeated issues show you’re not committed to recovery.

Tell your counselors and lawyer right away if you do relapse. Honesty looks better than failing a drug test. Additional treatment or med changes may be needed. But don’t give up – recovery isn’t linear.

What Happens After Completing Treatment

Finishing treatment is a huge milestone. But recovery is a lifelong process, so your work isn’t done. Depending on your state, the final steps may include:

• Graduation ceremony recognizing your achievement.
• Charges dismissed or reduced to a minor offense.
• Non-reporting probation for 6-12 months.
• Ongoing drug testing and outpatient treatment.
• Finding employment, stable housing, and prosocial activities.
• Working with your lawyer to restore rights like voting and driving.

Aftercare planning is key to maintaining sobriety. Lifelong support groups, counseling, sober friends and more can prevent relapse. Most graduates feel the program was tough but worth it for the second chance at life.

Conclusion

Getting busted making drugs doesn’t have to mean years wasted in prison. Diversion programs provide an opportunity to get clean and make lasting changes through treatment. With proper legal guidance and commitment to recovery, treatment can pave the way for a healthy and productive future.

The alternatives like jail often just continue the cycle of addiction. So if you’re struggling with drugs, don’t wait – seek help before you get arrested. Your life is worth fighting for.