How drug court works in Pinellas County

A Florida drug charge has the potential to lead to serious criminal repercussions. Some of the penalties you may face include fines, substance abuse treatment requirements and time behind bars, among others. However, in some cases, you may be able to decrease how much trouble your drug charge causes you by enrolling in drug court in Pinellas County.

Per the Sixth Judicial Circuit of Florida, you may be eligible for drug court in Pinellas County if you and your offense meet certain eligibility requirements.

Who is eligible for drug treatment court

You may qualify for the Pinellas County Adult Drug Court if the drug offense you face is non-violent in nature. Furthermore, if you are looking to enroll in drug court as part of a pretrial intervention, you also must be facing your first such drug charge for a third-degree felony. The state attorney has the final say about whether you are a strong candidate for drug court within the county.

How drug court works

Drug court requires that you complete an intensive, court-supervised drug treatment program.  Part of this includes making regular appearances in front of a drug court judge who monitors your progress. During the program, which typically lasts between about 18 and 24 months, you must also undergo intensive substance abuse treatment and submit to random drug tests. If you uphold all the terms of the court and complete the program in its entirety, it may result in the state dismissing your drug charge.

Upon successfully completing drug court, it is up to you to petition the court and request a dismissal of your drug charge.