Court Led Programs
Calhoun County and Cleburne County Court Programs
Over the last 40 years various counties, states, and court jurisdictions have introduced various court-led programs. The goal of these programs is to introduce an alternative to trials and possible jail time. Some of these Court Programs have proven successful in lowering recidivism and lowering trial costs for both the defendant and legal system. Sometimes these programs are known as Pre-Trial Diversion Programs.
The Calhoun County and Cleburne County District Attorney runs a Drug Court as well as a Pre-Trial Intervention Program (PTIP). These programs are designed to help those avoid the longer, riskier, and more expensive traditional trial system. Of course, all cases are unique, but for many cases accepting a Drug Court or PTIP is advised. Hiring an experienced team may help you receive this offer for your situation.
The law offices of LaPlante, Merritt, Faulkner, Wilson & Clay can provide assistance, guidance, and representation if you need it. We have extensive experience and recognition in North East Alabama and are ready to act fast. Call our offices at (256) 236-7354 or click here.
What is a Pre-Trial intervention Program?
What is Drug Court?
The Alabama State Government allows for local jurisdictions to introduce Pre-Trial Intervention Programs. This is at the discretion of the presiding judge of the judicial district and the corresponding district attorneys.
PTIP is designed for defendants who are unlikely to pose a threat to their communities, are unlikely to continue criminal behavior, and are likely to respond well to the court-imposed rehabilitative system.
Acceptance to PTIP is at the discretion of the presiding District Attorney and Judge. Defendants must be 18 years of age and meet the following requirements.
During the 2013 legislative session, the government of Alabama passed legislation allowing for local jurisdictions to set up Drug Courts. This is separate from other specialty courts or PTIPs which are at the discretion of local legal jurisdictions as well.
Drug Courts are meant to address criminal drug behavior through non-adversarial methods and with substance-specific treatment. This method of both judicial and behavioral treatment is now found throughout the country and in most Alabama counties.
Successfully completing a Drug Court program can lead to various benefits for the defendant. These benefits are agreed to beforehand and can greatly alleviate some of the riskier outcomes of a trial.
Common questions
What happens to your record?
how does one qualify?
what are the costs?
Completion of the PTIP does not immediately expunge the defendant’s records. However, the case(s) will be dropped from prosecution.
For Drug Court the record of charges is also not immediately expunged. Records shall be kept, accessible to judges statewide, of the outcome of the Drug Court. Juvenile records however are inaccessible to the public.
Qualifying for both PTIP and Drug Court is at the discretion of both the presiding Judge for the area’s judicial district and the County’s District Attorney.
Serious crimes are excluded from both programs. This includes but is not limited to Class A Felonies and capital offenses, serious violent crimes, and some crimes involving minors. Drug Court eligibility depends on the history of the defendant and the nature of the charges.
Both the PTIP and Drug Court can pose significant challenges because of their potential costs. Both programs have set fees, for example, PTIP has a $1000 fee. But, their long-term costs are at times much less than the traditional prosecution process.
Contact Our Law Firm
LaPlante, Merritt, Faulkner, Wilson & Clay has years of experience defending criminal cases. We know what it takes to get you the best possible results and we’re here to help. If you have any questions regarding your charge, don’t hesitate to call at (256) 236-7354 or click the link below.