Some drug crimes have a financial motive. The unregulated market provides countless opportunities for enrichment if people are willing to take risks.
Other times, violations of drug laws occur because a person has a substance abuse disorder. People struggling with addiction may end up accused of crimes due to their possession of illicit substances, acquisition of medication from an unlicensed source or other conduct driven by chemical dependence.
In scenarios where a drug defendant has a verifiable substance abuse problem, their addiction could influence what happens in court. How does chemical dependence influence drug charges?
Defendants can attend drug court
In some cases, adult drug defendants may be eligible for drug court proceedings. Also known as the adult treatment courts, the Texas drug courts help people address their substance abuse disorders.
The courts supervise rehabilitation efforts instead of simply imposing criminal penalties. Drug court proceedings can be a viable alternative to traditional criminal trials in some cases.
Addiction can be a mitigating factor
The courts consider the unique circumstances of individual defendants during trial proceedings and the sentencing process. A substance abuse disorder can be a compelling mitigating factor, particularly during the sentencing process.
Defendants who acknowledge that they have an issue and seek out help to address their challenges may potentially be able to seek less severe criminal sentences. Substance abuse disorders could also factor into the process of negotiating a plea bargain with the prosecutor.
Working with a criminal defense attorney while facing drug charges can help people understand their options. Drug defendants with substance abuse disorders may have more options than they realize after their initial arrest.