Florida Legal Article:
Attorney fort walton beach
Attorneys in Fort Walton Beach typically represent two categories of drug offenders: the drug user and the drug dealer. The State of Florida considers all drug offenses to be extremely serious, but it does view offenders accused of drug trafficking in a harsher light--and the penalties for being convicted of drug trafficking are accordingly much higher. Drug trafficking is a huge problem in Florida, and the majority of crimes committed in Florida can be traced in some way back to drugs.
Fortunately, much of society today realizes that drug addiction is a true problem for which many people need help to overcome. More and more Americans of every socioeconomic sphere are becoming addicted to drugs, and many of those individuals who cycle in and out and back into the prison system do so due to their drug addictions. Many Fort Walton Beach attorneys are experienced in representing clients accused of committing drug offenses and are aware of the various programs available to help Floridians beat their drug addictions.
One available program providing assistance for drug addicts in the state of Florida is run by the State Attorney's Office and called Pretrial Diversion. This program is typically reserved for nonviolent, first-time offenders and functions in much the same way as probation. Those participating in the program report on a monthly basis to their supervising officer. They also must perform a certain amount of community service hours, stay away from committing any criminal activity, and submit to random drug testing. As Fort Walton Beach attorneys will advise clients, you must obtain the crime victim's permission in order to be eligible for this program. Once you have successfully completed the program, your Fort Walton Beach attorney will ensure that the government drops the charges against you.
Similar in operation to Pretrial Diversion is Pretrial Intervention, although the Court controls this program instead of the State Attorney's Office. Fort Walton Beach attorneys know that the main difference between the two programs is that defendants do not have to possess completely clean records to participate. Participants must report to the Court periodically, complete whatever drug treatment the Court recommends, avoid all criminal activity, and perform any other requirements set by the Court. Your Fort Walton Beach attorney should be able to advise you which judges actually participate in Pretrial Intervention.
One other diversionary program available (though only in certain Florida counties) focuses on treating offenders with substance abuse problems and helping them conquer their addictions instead of just punishing them. Known as Drug Court, this program is only available for first-time felony drug offenders. This program's main purpose is to end the ceaseless cycle of drug offenders revolving in and out of the criminal justice system. Once offenders successfully complete Drug Court, their Fort Walton Beach attorneys can make sure the charges against them are dropped.