Not everyone accused of a drug offense has necessarily broken the law. There are a variety of scenarios in which people who do not use drugs may end up arrested mistakenly for a drug offense. Many other drug cases in the Alaska criminal justice system specifically have something to do with substance abuse.
The person arrested for a suspected drug offense might have a substance abuse disorder. They don’t intend to break the law, but their compulsion to continue using a specific substance may result in them doing so. By criminalizing drug infractions, the state punishes those who likely need support to improve their circumstances.
Thankfully, there are alternatives available for some people accused of breaking drug laws in Alaska. For those in the Anchorage area, the Anchorage Wellness Felony Drug Courts might be a viable alternative to fighting pending drug charges in the criminal courts.
What do the drug courts do?
The Anchorage Wellness Felony Drug Courts are alternative courts that focus on treatment for those with substance abuse disorders. These courts exist to help those with substance abuse disorders get treatment rather than to punish those accused of breaking the law.
The drug courts oversee intensive treatment and randomized drug screening for participants. The people going through drug court have to attend regular meetings in court and with professionals. They have to complete treatment and educational programs.
The entire process lasts at least a year, if not substantially longer. The goal is to help participants achieve sobriety and learn what may have caused their addiction. They can also learn how to cope with stressful situations in the future so that they don’t turn back to old habits when times get rough.
Those who successfully complete drug court proceedings do not have to worry about criminal penalties such as jail time. They are also typically able to avoid having a conviction for the offense on their permanent record.
Discussing – with a skilled legal team – whether drug court proceedings through the Anchorage Wellness Felony Drug Courts might be an option given the circumstances may help those facing drug charges make the best of the difficult situation. Pleading guilty is rarely the best option available for those accused of breaking controlled substances laws.
