Those who are accused of using or possessing illegal or illegally obtained controlled substances may face a myriad of consequences in a South Carolina criminal court. These may include jail and/or prison time, fines and many others. While cases involving drugs may only seem to have bleak outcomes, alternative sentencing may provide more positive solutions. The drug diversion program, for instance, can offer assistance and rehabilitation rather than punishment for those with drug addictions.
Drug addiction is a serious problem all across the country. South Carolina is no exception. The typical punishments handed down in a criminal court for those accused of drug-related crimes do not address addiction, and often fail to solve the underlying problem. This is where alternative sentencing has been able to help so many individuals.
The drug diversion program offered in South Carolina is an 18 month program in which a person is required to attend weekly counseling. This is done on an outpatient basis. During this program, random drug screenings are performed and regularly scheduled court sessions are held to monitor progression. Those who fail to meet the requirements of this program may be ordered to perform community service, on top of their treatment program, or face jail time.
Drug-related crimes can be extremely damaging, both personally and professionally. The drug diversion program offered in South Carolina can offer those accused of drug crimes the rehabilitative help they need, and allow them the ability to continue to support themselves and their families. While there are many defense strategies available for those accused of drug crimes, this form of alternative sentencing may offer the best solution in certain cases.
Source: greenvillecounty.org, “Drug Court“, Accessed on March 8, 2015