When you face a Texas drug charge, you may have valid concerns about possibly having to serve time in jail or prison if your charge ends with a conviction. However, in some cases, you may be able to avoid many o the penalties associated with a drug offense by enrolling in and completing a state drug court program.
Per the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, you may be a good candidate for drug court if you face a drug charge that stems from your substance dependency, or if an assessment determines you are a good candidate for the program.
What happens during drug court
In Texas, if you gain entry into a drug court program, you should expect to remain there for somewhere between about a year and 18 months. During that time, expect intensive monitoring by drug court administrators. This often includes appearing regularly in court, submitting to periodic drug tests and attending regular substance abuse treatment classes or sessions.
What happens after drug court
What happens after you complete drug court varies based on whether you were there as part of a pretrial or probation program. If you were there before you ever had a trial, then the agency that has the case against you typically drops the case when you finish drug court. If you are there as part of the terms of your probation, your completing drug court is necessary in order to get off probation.
While not suitable for everyone, many people who participate in drug courts become less likely to use substances or reenter the criminal justice system after completing these programs.