Fewer cases being handled in Jacksonville Juvenile Drug Court program

Supporters of a drug court aimed at teens that focuses on rehabilitation more than criminal punishment say the program should be used more when juveniles are arrested on felony drug charges. Prosecutors say, however, this is just one tool that can be used and that the tough standards in the drug court program aren’t for everyone – evidenced by the fact half of the people do not complete the program, according to a report in the Florida Times-Union. The merits of the program are now an issue because the federal grant that provides much of the support for the program may be lost if more teens aren’t sent to the program, the newspaper reported. When the grant application was completed several years ago, court officials estimated a certain number of people would be sent to the program, the newspaper reported. Those numbers have not materialized and the grant could now be cancelled.

In Jacksonville Juvenile Cases when teens are caught with drugs, many first-time offenders can qualify for drug court. In the program, teens go through substance abuse counseling and are subject to regular drug screenings and other measurements. If they successfully complete the program, the charges are removed from their criminal record. The idea is to keep juveniles arrested on Jacksonville Drug Crimes Charges out of the state prison system, get teens the treatment they need, and let them move on to hopefully be productive members of society. Advocates for the program say the focus needs to be on rehabilitation rather that criminal punishment in Jacksonville Juvenile Crimes Cases.

In Jacksonville Juvenile Crimes Cases, there are several levels of punishment – ranging from house arrests on up to what amounts to a prison for teens. Part of the idea of treating Jacksonville Juvenile Crimes differently than adult crimes is that young people often made poor decisions and those singular poor decisions should not have a lifelong impact when there is not an incident where someone is killed or seriously injured. With the exception of some crimes related to marijuana, most all Jacksonville Drug Crimes are felonies – meaning the defendant could be facing time in state prison. Not to mention the fact that a felony conviction on a person’s record often immediately eliminates them from many professions and essentially punishes the defendant for the rest of his or her life. Our Jacksonville Juvenile Crimes Attorney has represented hundreds of teens who’ve found their way into the court system. Our Jacksonville Drug Crimes Attorney knows all of the possible options – from drug court to other rehabilitation programs – and will work for the best solution for your or your loved one to get past this incident and move on.

If you or a loved one needs a criminal defense attorney in Jacksonville or the surrounding area, call The Mussallem Law Firm at (904) 365-5200 for a FREE CONSULTATION. Our Jacksonville Juvenile Crimes Attorney, Victoria “Tori” Mussallem, is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.