Are you eligible for drug court in Lee County?

As someone who lives in Florida and has a substance dependency, you may find that your dependence impacts your behavior and makes you act in ways you otherwise would not. Many people in Florida jails and prisons on drug-related charges are there because they suffer serious chemical dependencies. However, in some cases, you may be able to enroll in drug court as an alternative to entering jail or prison.

According to the Twentieth Judicial Circuit of Florida, drug court is an alternative to traditional incarceration and seeks to help offenders with substance abuse issues find the resources and care they need to overcome their chemical dependencies.

How it works

If you gain entry into a drug court in Lee County, you must agree to make regular appearances in front of the court to track your progress. Depending on the severity of your dependency, you may need to participate in either inpatient or outpatient substance abuse treatment services, too. During your time in the program, you also must agree to take drug tests at least once a week to prove your ongoing sobriety.

Who is eligible

You may be able to enter drug court in Lee County if you are a legal adult facing a pending, non-violent felony charge or violation of state probation. However, to gain entry, you also must undergo an eligibility screening and admit to having a substance abuse treatment program. You must, too, agree to work or attend school during the program’s duration, among other compliance requirements.

Admitting you have a substance abuse problem is both a prerequisite for enrolling in drug court and a critical step toward entering into recovery.