When you are already dealing with a substance abuse disorder, criminal charges may make your life even more difficult to manage. Unfortunately, drug-related criminal convictions are a reality for many Montana residents who struggle with addiction, and if you are among them, you may find that your conviction impacts your ability to find work or housing. You may, too, find that your substance abuse disorder leaves you facing potential prison time, but you may have another option potentially available to you.
Per the Montana Supreme Court, you may be able to enter a state-run drug court that seeks to not only hold you accountable, but give you the tools, resources and support you need to get better. Drug courts typically operate on the belief that you are less likely to re-offend if you kick your habit than you would be if you simply served out a sentence and then returned to life as you knew it.
Drug courts are not appropriate for all drug offenders, and some drug courts exclusively serve certain types of drug offenders, such as veterans or parents. If you are able to get into a state drug court, though, it has the potential to benefit you in many important ways. Research shows that graduating drug court does, in fact, make you less likely to re-offend or re-enter the justice system. You may, too, find that you have an easier time finding employment after completing drug court, with adult drug court participants in Montana seeing a 54% increase in employment upon completion of a drug court program.
Participating in drug court may also make you more likely to continue substance abuse or other treatment once your program draws to a close. More than 92% of adult and family court graduates attend self-help meetings upon discharge. Find more about drug charges by visiting our webpage.
