Drug Court

Substance abuse issues have become such a problem in New Hampshire that the judicial system has created a drug court to handle the workload.

If you’ve been charged with a drug crime, you will end up in drug court and you will want to have a lawyer who is well-versed in the state’s complicated drug laws.

Criminal defense attorney Michael Anzalone will tell you that judges in the drug court work with offenders who have substance abuse issues. The idea is to help these offenders get help to get their lives back on the right track. It’s a complicated process and is not an easy ride for anyone who is dealing with drug-related problems.

But the associates at The Anzalone Law Firm in Nashua, New Hampshire, will help walk you through the legal process and we’ll there for you every step of the way. We consider our clients part of our family and we will make your case a priority.

You will also have to actively participate in this process. We invite you to learn more about the process and the fines and penalties you could face by reading state statute RSA 318-B:26. Michael Anzalone encourages clients to become well-educated in the law. We’ll also be there to answer any questions you might have.

Again, be prepared to invest time in the process, which is designed to provide you help and possibly give you a second change. You don’t want to mess up again _ especially if a judge has been lenient on you. If you do violate the terms you could face extremely harsh penalties.

The program is designed to reduce the number of habitual offenders and to give these people treatment and community supervision. It’s an alternative to incarceration for people who probably need treatment rather than prison time. The program is designed to promote their recovery and hopefully help them get their lives in order.

Here’s how drug court works in New Hampshire. If you are determined as eligible for the program, you will plead guilty to the charge and the judge will place you on probation. Then, you’ll be required to successfully complete a drug and/or alcohol program, the drug court requirements and any other things the judge requires.

To qualify, you must have a substance abuse disorder, you must be at least 17, live in the jurisdiction of the drug court and you have to be a U.S. citizen.

This is an 18 to 24 month program, depending on the circumstances. You’ll be required to move through the phases of the program and successfully complete each one. This includes recovery and self-assessment, evaluate and formulate long-term recovery, maintain a sober and legal lifestyle and participate in aftercare that assures your compliance with the program.

Your defense attorney will tell you that you must be willing to work hard, stay focused and complete the program.

If you think drug court is a possibility for you, please contact lawyer Michael Anzalone for a free consultation. We are here for you 24/7.