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Experienced Drug Courts Lawyers in Las Vegas, NV
At the Spartacus Law Firm, we specialize in defending individuals facing drug-related charges in Las Vegas. Our experienced drug crime attorneys are dedicated to providing you with the best possible legal representation, ensuring that your rights are protected, and helping you achieve the most favorable outcome in your case. If you have been arrested for a drug-related crime in Clark County, understanding the drug court system and how it can work in your favor is crucial. If you’re wondering if you’re eligible for Drug Court in Nevada, contact our trusted and experienced Las Vegas Drug Court lawyers at the Spartacus Law Firm today to schedule your consultation.
Understanding Las Vegas Drug Courts
What Are Drug Courts?
Nevada Revised Statute § 176.0613 defines a specialty court program as “a program established by a court to facilitate testing, treatment, and oversight of certain persons over whom the court has jurisdiction and who the court has determined suffer from a mental illness or abuses alcohol or drugs.” Drug courts are specialty court programs that focus more on the rehabilitation of alleged offenders than punishing them.
Benefits of Drug Courts
Drug courts offer several benefits:
- Avoid Conviction: Successful completion of a drug court program can allow a person to avoid having a conviction on their criminal record.
- Rehabilitation Over Punishment: These programs focus on treatment and rehabilitation rather than incarceration.
- Support System: Participants receive support through counseling, drug testing, and regular court appearances.
- Reduced Recidivism: Drug courts have been shown to reduce substance abuse, improve family relationships, and increase earning potential.
Types of Drug Courts in Nevada
Las Vegas offers a variety of drug court programs, each providing specialized support tailored to factors such as age, gender, history, and parental status.
- Adult Drug Court (ADC): An 18-month substance abuse treatment program offering both court-supervised inpatient and outpatient care.
- Felony DUI (FDUI): An intensive treatment and community supervision program lasting three to five years, designed for individuals with a minimum of three DUI charges within the past seven years.
- Juvenile Drug Court: There are four programs available for youths under 18 facing narcotics issues:
- Pre-Adjudication Diversion Program: A 90-day initiative providing substance abuse and mental health counseling.
- First STEP: A rigorous 90-day substance abuse program.
- STEP Court: An intensive substance abuse program lasting over nine months.
- Transitional Program: A 90-day initiative designed to help youths transition back into the community.
- Veterans Court: A court-supervised outpatient treatment for veterans convicted of a felony.
- Family Treatment Court: A comprehensive, court-supervised outpatient substance abuse treatment program designed specifically for parents involved in the child welfare system.
- Transitional Age Drug Court Program (TAP): A minimum 18-month supervised comprehensive inpatient and outpatient substance abuse treatment program for people 18 to 26 years old.
- Law Enforcement Intervention for Mental Health and Addition (LIMA) Diversion Program: A pre-booking diversion program that spans at least 9 months.
- OPEN Program: This program offers intensive behavioral modification for individuals aged 18 to 26, aiming to reintegrate them into society with the support of community-based resources.
- Gambling Treatment Diversion Court: This provides a supervised comprehensive outpatient treatment program for people with addictive behaviors who have been convicted of a crime related to problem gambling.
- MAT Re-Entry Court: This program supports individuals on early release from prison or parole who have opioid and/or stimulant use disorders.
- Co-Occurring Disorders Court: Care for individuals facing both mental health and substance use disorders.
Phases of Las Vegas Drug Court
Drug court programs typically last one year and require participants to attend regularly scheduled court appearances, undergo counseling, and submit to drug tests. The Las Vegas Justice Court Drug Court Program includes four phases:
Phase I: Orientation and Early Intervention
- Attend program orientation
- Submit to urinalysis (UA)
- Sign up for substance abuse counseling and other classes
- Be employed or sign up for Social Security Income or Disability
- Complete an Action Plan for Relapse
Phase II: Therapeutic and Education
- Attend group and individual counseling three times a week
- Continue random drug testing
- Comply with all court matters, including 60 days of negative drug and alcohol testing
Phase III: Therapeutic Process
- Attend group and individual counseling twice a week
- Continue random drug testing
- Participate in a voluntary community service project for at least four hours a week
Phase IV: Therapeutic Maintenance
- Attend group and individual counseling once a week
- Continue random drug testing
- Mentor new participants for their first 90 days
- Sustain sobriety with at least 180 days clean
- Complete a pre-graduation packet
Successfully completing the program leads to the dismissal of criminal charges, although this does not count as a conviction for employment, civil rights, or most statutes, it is considered a conviction for determining second or subsequent offenses.
Why Choose Spartacus Law Firm?
Expert Legal Representation
Our team at the Spartacus Law Firm is well-versed in the intricacies of drug court programs in Las Vegas. We provide a comprehensive evaluation of your case to determine if you qualify for a drug court program and fight to ensure you achieve the best possible outcome.
Proven Track Record
We have successfully defended numerous clients in drug-related cases, helping them enter and complete drug court programs, thereby avoiding convictions and imprisonment.
Personalized Approach
We understand that every case is unique. Our criminal defense attorneys take the time to understand your specific situation and tailor our defense strategy to meet your needs.
Comprehensive Support
From the moment you contact us, we provide unwavering support throughout the legal process. Whether it’s navigating the complexities of the drug court system or representing you in court, we are here for you every step of the way.
Nevada Drug Court Resources
Eighth Judicial District Court Drug Courts | Clark County Courts —The Eighth Judicial District Court of Clark County stands as Nevada’s largest general jurisdiction court, covering all municipalities and surrounding communities within the county. This section of the court’s website offers insights into the drug court program, shares success stories, and provides the latest news. Additionally, you can explore other parts of the website for court rules, calendars, and answers to frequently asked questions.
The Eighth Judicial District Court of Clark County
Regional Justice Center
200 Lewis Avenue
Las Vegas, NV 89155
(702) 671-3100
Research Update on Adult Drug Courts | National Association of Drug Court Professionals (NADCP) — The NADCP is a 501(c)(3) non-profit drug court organization with a mission to “reduce substance abuse, crime, and recidivism by promoting and advocating for the establishment and funding of drug courts and providing for the collection and dissemination of information, technical assistance, and mutual support to association members.” The organization produces numerous publications for both scholars and practitioners. This report, released in December 2010, evaluates the effectiveness of drug courts. It concludes:
The scientific evidence is overwhelming that adult Drug Courts reduce crime, reduce substance abuse, improve family relationships, and increase earning potential. In the process, they return net dollar savings back to their communities that are at least two to three times the initial investments. The optimal target population for Drug Courts has been identified, and fidelity to several key ingredients of the Drug Court model has been demonstrated to be necessary for favorable results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifies someone for a drug court program?
Eligibility for a drug court program depends on several factors, including the nature of the offense, the defendant’s criminal history, and their willingness to participate in the program. Our Las Vegas criminal defense lawyers can help determine if you qualify.
What are the benefits of Las Vegas Drug Court?
Drug Court offers an opportunity to continue living without the burden of imprisonment. Upon successful completion, your narcotics charge will be dismissed. We have successfully enrolled hundreds of clients struggling with substance disorders into this program, and we highly endorse it. Not only will you receive the necessary and deserved help, but you will also have a clean criminal record, significantly enhancing your future employment prospects.
What happens if I fail to complete the drug court program?
Failure to complete the program can result in a conviction for the underlying criminal charge, potentially leading to imprisonment and fines. It is crucial to comply with all program requirements.
How long does the drug court program last?
Most drug court programs last about one year, but the duration may vary depending on the specific program and individual progress.
What is the process of getting into Las Vegas Drug Court?
We would collaborate with the prosecutors to address the technical aspects, while the fundamental procedure under NRS 453.3363 unfolds as follows:
- You enter a plea of guilty or “no contest” to the drug charge.
- The judge refrains from issuing a conviction, opting instead to suspend the case and place you on probation.
- You complete the relevant rehabilitation program, typically within a year.
- Once completed, the judge dismisses the case.
What kind of support do participants receive in the drug court program?
Participants receive extensive support, including counseling, regular drug testing, and oversight from the court. The goal is to provide the necessary tools for successful rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
Do I have to disclose an old drug charge after graduating Drug Court?
Graduating from Drug Court allows you to legally deny— even under oath—any charges of drug use or possession. However, there are circumstances where you must disclose past drug charges, particularly when applying for professional licenses, such as those for doctors, lawyers, or nurses. Licensing boards have the right to access applicants’ complete criminal histories, including any dismissed charges.
Contact Our Las Vegas Drug Court Lawyers Today
If you or a loved one has been arrested for a drug-related crime in Clark County, don’t wait to seek legal representation. Contact Spartacus Law Firm today to schedule a free, confidential consultation. Our experienced attorneys will evaluate your case, answer your questions, and help you understand your options.
Remember, the right legal representation can make all the difference in your case. Trust Spartacus Law Firm to fight for your rights and help you achieve the best possible outcome.