Criminal Defense Lawyers

NYC Drug Treatment Court Lawyers

In New York, Drug Treatment Court is used as an alternative sentencing program which allows for non-violent offenders with a substance use problem to complete a drug treatment program to have their criminal charges dismissed or reduced. It’s one of the seven “problem solving” courts in the state.

New York has 147 Drug Treatment Courts. Ninety are part of the criminal court system, thirty-five are part of family courts, seven are part of town and village courts, and fifteen are part of juvenile courts. More than eighty thousand people have participated in the court drug treatment programs, with more than thirty thousand of these graduating.

There are a number of eligibility guidelines you must meet, and you also must agree to adhere to the program’s terms. You may be sent to jail if you fail to comply with the terms. Drug Treatment Court is considered an ideal alternative to the usual sentencing because you can both receive treatment and have your criminal charges dismissed or reduced.

Even if you want to use the Drug Treatment Court regarding a drug-related criminal offense, you still need adequate legal representation. The supervision process for the court is involved. You should get in contact with an experienced New York attorney who can explain your legal options and give you the best defense for your unique circumstances. Spodek Law Group is a practice of experienced lawyers who have been defending clients since 1976.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for Drug Treatment Court, you need to meet the following circumstances:

• You are criminally charged with a non-violent drug crime
• The crime is a class E, D, C, or B felony (class A felonies are not eligible)
• You have not been convicted of a class A drug crime in the past
• You have not been convicted of a violent crime within the past decade

Arraignment

After you’re arrested, you will be arraigned within about twenty-four hours. At your arraignment, you will be told what charge or charges have been leveled against you. The arraignment is also where you’ll learn if any bail has been posted, and what the bail amount is.

In the time period between your arraignment and the beginning of the trial or the entering of your guilty plea, you can request an evaluation for alcohol and substance abuse. This evaluation will determine if you have a substance use problem, along with whether the Drug Treatment Court program will be beneficial to you.

Judicial Diversion Hearing

Following the evaluation, there will be a hearing during which you may request for your case to be moved to the Drug Treatment Court program. This hearing is called a judicial diversion. The prosecution and defense both present evidence during the hearing.

Christine Twomey

2024-03-21

Just had my Divorce case settled 2 months ago after having a horrible experience with another firm. I couldn’t be happier with Claire Banks and Elizabeth Garvey with their outstanding professionalism in doing so with Spodek Law Group. Any time I needed questions answered they were always prompt in doing so with all my uncertainties after 30 yrs of marriage.I feel from the bottom of my heart you will NOT be disappointed with either one. Thanks a million.

Brendan huisman

2024-03-18

Alex Zhik contacted me almost immediately when I reached out to Spodek for a consultation and was able to effectively communicate the path forward/consequences of my legal issue. I immediately agreed to hire Alex for his services and did not regret my choice. He was able to cover my case in court (with 1 day notice) and not only was he able to push my case down, he carefully negotiated a dismissal of the charge altogether. I highly recommend Spodek, and more specifically, Alex Zhik for all of your legal issues. Thanks guys!

Guerline Menard

2024-03-18

Thanks again Spodek law firm, particularly Esq Claire Banks who stood right there with us up to the finish line. Attached photos taken right outside of the court building and the smile on our faces represented victory, a breath of fresh air and satisfaction. We are very happy that this is over and we can move on with our lives. Thanks Spodek law 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙌🏼❤️

Keisha Parris

2024-03-15

Believe every single review here about Alex Z!! From our initial consultation, it was evident that Alex possessed a profound understanding of criminal law and a fierce dedication to his clients rights. Throughout the entirety of my case, Alex exhibited unparalleled professionalism and unwavering commitment. What sets Alex apart is not only his legal expertise but also his genuine compassion for his clients. He took the time to thoroughly explain my case, alleviating any concerns I had along the way. His exact words were “I’m not worried about it”. His unwavering support and guidance were invaluable throughout the entire process. I am immensely grateful for Alex's exceptional legal representation and wholeheartedly recommend his services to anyone in need of a skilled criminal defense attorney. Alex Z is not just a lawyer; he is a beacon of hope for those navigating the complexities of the legal system. If you find yourself in need of a dedicated and competent legal advocate, look no further than Alex Z.

Taïko Beauty

2024-03-15

I don’t know where to start, I can write a novel about this firm, but one thing I will say is that having my best interest was their main priority since the beginning of my case which was back in Winter 2019. Miss Claire Banks, one of the best Attorneys in the firm represented me very well and was very professional, respectful, and truthful. Not once did she leave me in the dark, in fact she presented all options and routes that could possibly be considered for my case and she reinsured me that no matter what I decided to do, her and the team will have my back and that’s exactly what happened. Not only will I be liberated from this case, also, I will enjoy my freedom and continue to be a mother to my first born son and will have no restrictions with accomplishing my goals in life. Now that’s what I call victory!! I thank the Lord, My mother, Claire, and the Spodek team for standing by me and fighting with me. Words can’t describe how grateful I am to have the opportunity to work with this team. I’m very satisfied, very pleased with their performance, their hard work, and their diligence. Thank you team!

Anthony Williams

2024-03-12

Hey, how you guys doing? Good afternoon my name is Anthony Williams I just want to give a great shout out to the team of. Spodek law group. It is such a honor to use them and to use their assistance through this whole case from start to finish. They did everything that they said they was gonna do and if it ever comes down to it, if I ever have to use them again, hands-down they will be the first law office at the top of my list, thank you guys so much. It was a pleasure having you guys by my side so if you guys ever need them, do not hesitate to pick up the phone and give them a call.

Loveth Okpedo

2024-03-12

Very professional, very transparent, over all a great experience

Bee L

2024-02-28

Amazing experience with Spodek! Very professional lawyers who take your case seriously. They treated me with respect, were always available, and answered any and all questions. They were able to help me very successfully and removed a huge stress. Highly recommend.

divesh patel

2024-02-24

I can't recommend Alex Zhik and Spodek Law Firm highly enough for their exceptional legal representation and personal mentorship. From the moment I engaged their services in October 2022, Alex took the time to understand my case thoroughly and provided guidance every step of the way. Alex's dedication to my case went above and beyond my expectations. His expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to achieving the best possible outcome were evident throughout the entire process. He took the time to mentor me, ensuring I understood the legal complexities involved to make informed decisions. Alex is the kind of guy you would want to have a beer with and has made a meaningful impact on me. I also want to acknowledge Todd Spodek, the leader of the firm, who played a crucial role in my case. His leadership and support bolstered the efforts of Alex, and his involvement highlighted the firm's commitment to excellence. Thanks to Alex Zhik and Todd Spodek, I achieved the outcome I desired, and I am incredibly grateful for their professionalism, expertise, and genuine care. If you're in need of legal representation, look no further than this outstanding team.

Load more

Google rating score: 4.9 of 5, based on 736 reviews

The following factors will be considered by the court:

• If you’ve been convicted of a violent felony in the past decade
• If you have a history of substance abuse
• How substance abuse contributed to the criminal behavior
• Whether participation in the program will be an effective way of addressing your substance us problem
• Whether you must be confined institutionally for the protection of the public

If the judge makes the decision to offer you Drug Treatment Court, you’ll have the option of accepting the offer or declining it. When you accept the offer, you will be required to plead guilty to your criminal charges. You’ll also have to enter the program immediately. If you choose not to enter the program, your case will go through the usual criminal justice courts.