People who have been arrested for and charged with criminal offenses related to drugs in Nebraska may often have related addiction or drug abuse problems. This is something that is slowly but eventually being recognized by lawmakers and those in the criminal justice system. One manifestation of this recognition is the development of drug courts orproblem-solving courts as they may also be called.
In one part of the state, a graduation ceremony for five people who completed the steps in a problem-solving court program was recently held. As part of this graduation, the charges previously logged against them have been dropped. It is important for defendants to understand that the purpose of a drug or problem-solving court is to give them a better future. This is inherently different than the purpose of time in jail.
Spanning 18 to 24 months, a problem-solving court program provides a structured lifestyle for people in which they can face and overcome addiction and create a new routine and way of living that is healthier and more likely to help them avoid future problems with the law. It may involve treatment, therapy, community service, employment and more. People in these programs do pay some fees along the way. They are also tested for substance use throughout.
Anyone charged with a drug offense in Nebraska might want to contact a lawyer to learn if a problem-solving court might be appropriate for them and how they might pursue this.
Source: The News & Observer, "Nebraska problem-solving court graduates first participants," Jeff Bahr, February 11, 2018