Drug Courts in Ohio
In 1996, the Ohio Senate adopted a bill encouraging Ohio courts to grant probation to 4th and 5th degree felony drug offenders instead of prison sentences. This bill, coupled with the revised 2000 “Intervention in Lieu of Conviction” statute, led to the creation and use of drug courts in Columbus Ohio. According to the National Institute of Justice, drug courts have proven to reduce the recidivism rate in jails and prisons.
Franklin County Drug Court Lawyer
The Joslyn Law Firm can help you avoid the most severe sentences for the drug or marijuana charges against you in Columbus, Ohio. Brian Joslyn will discuss your options with you and help craft a defense that is right for your circumstances. The goal of the Joslyn Law Firm is to keep you informed by assisting at each stage of the process from start to finish – from your arrest, to the filing of charges, to defending your case. Call the Joslyn Law Firm at (614) 444-1900 for a consultation today.
Alternatives to Jail Time for Drug Charges
If drug court is an option for your offense, the court may choose to treat a drug dependency rather than a jail or prison sentence. Participation in and completion of a drug court program may result either in a dismissal or reduction of the charges against you.
Ohio drug courts provide a protective, incentive-based alternative to the penalty system. Under the supervision of a drug court, an offender receives support in the form of treatment programs and options other than jail or prison time. Drug courts operate much like other courts and actually function within the common pleas, municipal and juvenile court facilities. However, the proceedings are somewhat different, and specific criteria must be met for offender eligibility.
Eligibility for Ohio Drug Courts
Some factors a person must meet in order to qualify for a drug court program in Ohio include, but are not limited to:
- Must be a felony offense of the 4th or 5th degree;
- Domestic violence charges are considered on a case-by-case basis;
- The alleged offender has sufficient motivation for treatment or to change;
- The alleged offender is diagnosed as primarily having a chemical dependency; and/or
- The alleged offender meets Ohio’s sentencing guidelines for a presumption for probation.
Reasons for Disqualification from Ohio Drug Courts
Some factors that may disqualify a drug offender from presenting a case to Ohio drug courts include the following:
- Multiple prior felonies,
- Prior convictions for drug trafficking,
- Prior convictions for violent crimes,
- The alleged offense is gun-related, and/or
- The alleged charges are violent or sexually oriented.
Joslyn Law Firm | Columbus Drug Court Attorney
Contact the Joslyn Law Firm today for a consultation about your alleged drug charges in Columbus, Ohio. It is important to hire an experienced Columbus drug defense lawyer who will make every effort to help you find the best possible outcome for your situation. Call (614) 444-1900 for a consultation about your felony drug offense in Franklin County and the surrounding counties, including Pickaway County, Madison County, Delaware County, Licking County and Fairfield County in Ohio.
