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What should you know about drug court in Maryland?

On Behalf of | Jan 20, 2025 | Drug Charges

Anyone facing drug charges in Maryland may hear about drug courts. This is an alternative to traditional criminal sentencing for some of these cases. These courts are designed to address the issue of substance abuse, which is often the underlying primary concern for these defendants. 

There are several considerations that anyone who’s thinking about drug court must know. For example, there are strict requirements for entering into the program, and participants must meet specific criteria throughout the process. 

Who can opt to go through drug court?

While there may be additional requirements in some jurisdictions, the general guidelines include:

  • No violent charges
  • History of substance use disorder
  • Willingness to commit to the program

Drug court is highly structured and supervised by an officer of the court. It requires the participant to participate in a substance use treatment program and take random drug screenings. They must typically hold a job, follow strict rules and meet with their supervising officer regularly. 

What are the benefits of drug court?

A person who goes through drug court can get the help they need to overcome the substance abuse. Most drug courts have successfully reduced recidivism, which can help the person to stay out of the court system in the future. 

Drug court is only one possible result of drug charges. Entry into these programs must be requested and handled properly. Working with someone who’s familiar with this aspect of the court system can help defendants in these matters.