Mandatory Drug Court to Become the Law in New Jersey

New Jersey is phasing in a mandatory drug court for nonviolent drug crimes. Learn more from The Law Offices of John W. Tumelty

2012-09-21

September 21, 2012 (Press-News.org) New Jersey's drug courts appear to work. Among drug offenders who finished a drug court program instead of going to prison, only 16 percent were arrested again in the following three years, and only eight percent were convicted again. In contrast, for those who went the traditional route and served jail time, 54 percent of drug offenders were arrested again within three years of their release from prison, and 43 percent were convicted of drug charges again.

At present, drug court is a voluntary option. Recently, though, a new law was approved and signed by the Governor of New Jersey that provides for mandatory sentencing to drug court for nonviolent drug offenders. The law will be phased in, a few counties at a time, over five years, with annual evaluations of the program's effectiveness. The government will evaluate repeat offense rates and costs, and compare statistics for counties where mandatory drug court has been phased in with those where it has not.

Drug courts for adults began in a few New Jersey counties in 1996. The programs developed so successfully, that by 2000 the Judicial Council recommended that drug courts be established across the state.

The goal of drug courts is to deal with substance abuse recovery directly, thus tackling the root problem underlying the crimes that substance abusers commit. Alleged offenders in the drug court program are assigned to a team of drug treatment professionals, substance abuse evaluators, probation officers, attorneys and court staff headed by a judge. Participants undergo closely supervised, rigorous treatment, with frequent drug testing. They must regularly appear in court and are subject to sanctions if they stray from the program. With so many professionals offering support, treatment has a better chance of success.

If you face drug crime charges, an attorney can provide more information about the drug court option and will work vigorously to protect your rights.

Article provided by Law Offices of John W. Tumelty
Visit us at www.johntumeltylaw.com

ELSE PRESS RELEASES FROM THIS DATE:

What You Need to Know About Child Support in Texas

2012-09-21

Child support can be one of the most contentious issues between divorced or unmarried parents. Parents may disagree about who should pay child support and what amount needs to be paid. Parents may also be unsure where to turn if they need to obtain or modify a court order for child support. Which Parent Pays? Both parents are responsible for financially supporting their children. Although it is often clear who a child's parents are, sometimes it is less obvious particularly with regard to a child's father. In Texas, there are several ways a father can be established. ...

When Life Gets in the Way: Federal and California Employment-Leave Laws

2012-09-21

Juggling work and home life can be a challenge under normal circumstances. But sometimes, it's downright impossible. When illness, pregnancy, military service or childbirth significantly affect the personal or family life of an employee such that work becomes temporarily impossible or highly unfavorable, federal law may provide for unpaid leave with job and benefit protection. The Family and Medical Leave Act The federal Family and Medical Leave Act, or FMLA, was enacted in 1993 during the Clinton administration to protect members of the changing work force. Increasingly, ...

Underage Drinking Prosecution in New Jersey

2012-09-21

The New Jersey Attorney General is tough on underage drinking. With the cooperation of police departments across the country, she implemented the Cops in Shops program, which operated throughout the summer to prevent minors from gaining access to alcohol. Thirty police departments on the Jersey shore took part in the program, which involved police officers going undercover in liquor stores. These officers were on the lookout for customers with fake identification. Some undercover officers hang around outside liquor stores to apprehend adults who break the law by buying ...

Are Forged Logbooks, Driver Fatigue the Norm in the Trucking Industry?

2012-09-21

Ted Oesau has been a truck driver for more than two decades. After seeing a fellow trucker suing his employer for unpaid overtime, Oesau spoke out to KARK 4 news about trucking companies that force drivers to clock fewer hours than they actually work, putting drivers on the road longer than the law allows. "It's a widespread problem," said Oesau. "60 to 70 percent of the industry is doing it nationwide." Like Oesau, many truck drivers feel that the excess hours are problematic in a number of ways. However, he and many of his colleagues fear that ...

How to Avoid Common Issues with K-1 Visa Applications

2012-09-21

A fiancee visa (also known as a K-1 visa) allows a foreign citizen to travel to the United States and marry his or her U.S. citizen spouse. There are a number of requirements to be satisfied before a K-1 visa is granted. As such, there are a number of pitfalls that can slow a petition's approval. This article will highlight these potential issues and how an attorney can help applicants avoid them. Incomplete information - The most common reason for rejecting K-1 petitions is for incompleteness. Experienced immigration law attorneys understand how the system works, and ...

Preparing for What To Do/Not Do Following A Serious Car Accident

2012-09-21

It may be difficult to think calmly and rationally when your adrenaline is flowing and your heart is pounding following a car crash, especially if you are seriously injured. But, if you are physically able and aware, there are certain actions that should be executed following a Massachusetts car accident. Knowing who to call, how to file a report and how to handle towing and repair issues can help you prepare for and preserve information needed for any insurance claims or lawsuits you may choose to file. What To Do Following Accident If you are physically and mentally ...

Etihad Airways Set to Expand in South America

2012-09-21

Etihad Airways is keen to expand its footprint in South America, said President and Chief Executive Officer, James Hogan. Mr Hogan said that the airline is currently in discussions with South American-based carriers about potential commercial partnerships. Etihad Airways currently has 38 codeshare partnerships with airlines around the globe, resulting in a combined network of 323 destinations, more than any other Middle Eastern airline. Beyond its own organic growth, codeshare partnerships and equity stakes are a significant and growing part of the airline's ...

Jumeirah Himalayas Hotel Shanghai Opens the First Talise Spa in China

2012-09-21

Talise Spa, the signature spa concept from the Jumeirah, opens its door for the first time in China at the Jumeirah Himalayas Hotel Shanghai. At Talise Spa, all treatments are personalised to cater to a guest's individual needs, transforming mind, body and soul on a journey to self-discovery. Talise Spa in Jumeirah's five star hotel in Shanghai is an oasis of Oriental healing combining traditional wellbeing wisdom perfected over centuries in China, Asia and the Middle East with the latest international high-tech products and spa luxuries. Located beside the uniquely ...

SEAT Brings in Dual Vocation Training System

2012-09-21

SEAT has announced it will replace the current training system in its Apprentices School with a dual one, based on the German system. This will combine theory and practice, and provide students with solid professional experience. The new syllabus will increase the number of hours by 57% (from 2,950 to 4,625) in comparison to the current system, and gives equal importance to training and work in terms of hours. The new dual training model at SEAT's Apprentices School will be a three-year course of study. Students will sign a training and apprenticeship contract, and ...

The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management Celebrates its Largest Graduating Class

2012-09-21

The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management, one of the world's leading business hospitality management school and a part of the Dubai-based luxury hospitality company, Jumeirah Group, will hold a graduation ceremony for its eighth graduating class at Jumeirah Emirates Towers. The event, taking place on 7 October 2012 at 10:00, will see the largest graduating class to date, a total of 59 students receiving their degrees from The Emirates Academy. Of those graduates, 53 will have completed the undergraduate programme and six will have completed their Masters, the very ...

LAST 30 PRESS RELEASES:

The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology: Higher doses of semaglutide can safely enhance weight loss and improve health for adults living with obesity, two new clinical trials confirm