You may be in trouble with the law for a crime you committed related to your substance addiction. You probably would’ve never even committed that crime if it wasn’t for your addiction. The idea of jail may make you feel anxious. However, there is a possibility you won’t have to deal with a sentence at all. Instead, a court may decide to place you in a court-ordered rehab program.
This article will go over what a court-ordered rehab is, how to get it, the violations from court breaking court-ordered programs, the concerns about involuntary rehab, and how you should treat a court-ordered program. If you have a court case coming up concerning your addiction, please call 706-480-8733. Speak to a drug addiction specialist for more help.
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Court-ordered rehab is important to understand. Click a link below to learn more about that section. If you require additional assistance then please reach out to our professionals today.Â
Understanding Court Ordered Rehab
Court-ordered rehab occurs when a court rules that the person commits a crime, and their substance abuse allows them to go to treatment in replacement of jail. This is ultimately the judge’s decision. If they believe the treatment will be a much better option for a person.Â
In many cases, the judge sees the substance as the driving force behind the crime. The length of time depends on the court. The person must stay in the program for its entirety or until the court notifies them. Also, the defendant may choose treatment options that best suit them, such as cost, location, etc.
Court-ordered rehab could be best for someone with a non-violent offense or a first-time offender. Still, there are three criteria a person must meet to be qualified for court-ordered rehab. The first is that there should be substantial evidence that the person who committed the crime was indeed under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The second is that the person requires treatment and will significantly benefit from it. The third is that suspending the person’s prosecution will not hinder the justice system in any way. Â
Sometimes the person will go under an examination by a probation officer to further conclude if treatment is a valid option. The court can suspend the prosecution for up to two years. If during that time, the person has done well in the treatment program, they could dismiss any charges they have against them entirely.
Violating Court Ordered Rehab
Court-ordered rehab is an involuntary rehab process. This is not optional, and if someone chooses not to take part in it, there will be consequences. The consequences of a violation of a court-ordered rehab would be that the person is subject to receive an even harsher prosecution from a court, which may mean incarceration.Â
The person may also have to pay fines for the violation of their treatment. Pleading for another rehab treatment program due to the violation would be up to the judge.
However, you may likely experience rejection. A person violates their court-mandated rehab either when they stop attending the rehab program or refuse to go to treatment once already agreed. A rehab center will not force you to attend and will not physically stop you from leaving, so it is up to your merit to fulfill the court-ordered rehab.
If the person does complete their program in its entirety, dropping the charges. Nor will the charges show up in their background. Not only that, but you will be in recovery from your substance addiction. There shouldn’t be a reason why you can’t fulfill the court-ordered rehab.Â
If, for any reason, you find that you have issues with the rehab program, you may have a possibility of transferring into a different one, but that will be up to the court. Though this rehab program is involuntary, it should not be a “punishment.â€Â One should look at it as a way to better themselves in the future. If a person feels like they want to violate their treatment, they should always remember that incarceration is the only other option.Â
Concerns with Court Ordered Rehab
There are some concerns in regards to court-ordered rehab. Some believe that a person should voluntarily want to go into treatment for recovery to happen on their terms. They believe that a person will ineffectively recover and resume the same substance abuse patterns as before.Â
Some people are opposed to it on philosophical and legal grounds (constitutionally) if they are in treatment. Some also believe that it shouldn’t even be an option for those that have committed a crime, as it seems to be a light punishment.
Overall the concerns are whether this can be beneficial for society as a whole if a person is in a rehab program. Concerns like these are normal, and it is really up to what the research has to say about involuntary rehab treatment.
Some benefits come with being ordered to complete an involuntary rehab program. Studies show how effective they can be for a person struggling with drug or alcohol addiction. Many of those studies suggest that being legally forced into a treatment facility provides them with a motivational incentive to get better and is an important reason for them to seek help.Â
Also, note that those who have gone through rehab programs with legal pressure do as well, if not better than those who go voluntarily. Of course, some may point out that the only reason a person got better was that the only other option was jail time, but that is missing the point.Â
The point is that it works, and it is a good way for a person to take their treatment seriously. One of the major points for court-ordered rehab is to reduce the number of inmates in prison for drug offenses, especially for first-time offenders.
How You Should Treat It
So let’s say you found a way to get a court-ordered rehab from the judge. You may be relieved as you don’t have to deal with possible jail time. It can be a great feeling for you and your loved ones. However, you should not take it lightly by any means. You should treat a court-ordered rehab incredibly seriously. This is not going to be time for you to relax and be on vacation.
Going into treatment will require you to work hard, mainly if you aren’t all that willing to seek help in the first place. You must attend when you are supposed to show up on time and do what you need to. Please pay attention to what is going on in the rehab program to get recovered and ensure to the court that they made the right decision.
Additionally, speak to those around you, whether family, friends or the specialist at the rehab center. Make sure they know the exact time and day when you are supposed to attend treatment. They will also be there to hold you accountable.
Your treatment center should know about your court-ordered rehab. However, if they are unaware, make sure you speak to them about exactly why you are here. They can work with you to make sure that your treatment is do-able and helpful for you. The best way to make up for a wrong that you have committed from your substance abuse is to get sober. This is for your well being and the well being of society. Following this model will help you stick through your treatment program and get your life in order.
Solving the Main Problem
Hopefully, this has helped you learn how to suggest a court-ordered rehab if you have been in trouble with the law over your substance addiction. Ensure that you also clarify with someone in the legal field, such as a lawyer, for other additional information. They are more likely to know the ins and outs of what you will need to do, as they may have experience with previous clients.
Overall, the main problem to address is your addiction to drugs or alcohol. In most cases, since you have had trouble with the law, it probably means you are losing control of your addiction. It doesn’t have to go on. You can live a sober life.
All it takes is for you to recognize your addiction’s problems and listen to those who have been affected by it. There will be nothing to fear in a rehab treatment center. They provide quality accommodation and programs to make sure each of their clients recovers. For even more information on what court-ordered treatment may look like, speak to a rehab center specialist by calling 706-480-8733 today!
To speak with someone about your situation and get a free consultation, call Addiction Care Treatment Program at 706-480-8733 today!
Addiction Care Treatment Program – Call 706-480-8733 to Find Help Immediately!
Resources
- https://www.jud.ct.gov/Publications/CR137P.pdf
- https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/principles-drug-abuse-treatment-criminal-justice-populations-research-based-guide/legally-mandated-treatment-effective
- https://www.hg.org/legal-articles/court-ordered-rehab-and-the-consequences-for-violations-50649
- https://www.psychiatryadvisor.com/home/topics/addiction/court-mandated-substance-abuse-treatment-exploring-the-ethics-and-efficacy/
- https://www.healthline.com/health-news/people-with-drug-addictions-forced-into-rehab#1
