December 13, 2012 (Press-News.org) New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie recently signed into law a new measure expanding state programs that allow some people convicted of nonviolent drug offenses to receive treatment through the state's drug court rather than spend time in prison. The measure has been praised as a way to help ease financial strain on the New Jersey prison system while providing services that are more effective at improving recovery rates and reducing recidivism.
Drug court programs have existed in New Jersey for over a decade, giving people convicted of certain drug crimes the opportunity to receive intensive drug or alcohol treatment as an alternative to prison. The new law establishes a $2.5 million pilot program that will gradually expand New Jersey's existing drug courts over the next five years. In addition to loosening the eligibility requirements to include more types of crimes and remove previous disqualifications, the new law also makes drug court mandatory rather than voluntary for qualifying individuals.
Drug Courts Offer Many Benefits Over Imprisonment
Over the past ten years, more than 12,000 people have participated in New Jersey drug court programs, according to one of the bill's sponsors. More than 4,500 New Jersey residents are currently participating in drug court, and the new law provides for another 1,500 participants to be enrolled during the first year. According to state data, drug courts in New Jersey cost about $11,300 per participant each year, compared to the roughly $42,000 per year that the state must spend to house an inmate in prison, nj.com reported.
Not only is drug court less expensive than imprisonment, but it has also proven to be far more effective at reducing the likelihood of future offenses by a convicted individual. Among participants in New Jersey's drug courts, only 16 percent are arrested again within the first three years after completing the program, with 8 percent convicted of new crimes. In contrast, among convicted individuals who do not participate in the program, 54 percent are arrested again within three years and 43 percent are convicted.
If you are arrested for drug crimes in New Jersey, contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer for help understanding your legal options and defending against any criminal charges you may face.
Article provided by Law Office of Sara Sencer McArdle, LLC
Visit us at http://www.saramcardlelaw.com
New Jersey Expands Drug Court Program as an Alternative to Prison
New Jersey lawmakers recently enacted a measure that will expand the state's drug courts and help keep many people out of prison when convicted of certain drug offenses.
2012-12-13
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[Press-News.org] New Jersey Expands Drug Court Program as an Alternative to PrisonNew Jersey lawmakers recently enacted a measure that will expand the state's drug courts and help keep many people out of prison when convicted of certain drug offenses.