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How to Get an Alternative Punishment for a Drug Charge

19 January 2018 by Daryl Young

Have you been arrested because you possessed or were selling rugs? If so, you are probably concerned about the punishment for your crime. With almost half of all people in federal prison having a drug charge, the chances of a punishment involving jail time are high. This is why you need to take any drug charge against you very seriously.

However, courts can give out alternative punishments for drug related crimes, which include house arrest, rehab, probation, or community service. If you're  trying to get a judge to grant an alternative punishment, here are some helpful tips to follow.

Hire a Lawyer

Defending yourself for drug charges is not something that should be done without professional help. Your best chance of getting a desirable outcome is by having a lawyer work with you. They can help navigate the entire legal process, which is bound to be unfamiliar to you, and even speak for you in court when you ask for an alternative punishment.

Hire a drug crime attorney early in the process, because they can give more guidance when they are on the case from the beginning, giving you a better defense in court.

Give Up Drugs

Your arrest should be a wake up call that drugs are a serious problem in your life. If you want any hope of receiving an alternative punishment, you'll need to give up drugs for good. You will need to appear in court to request an alternative punishment, and if a judge has any indication that you are still using drugs, they may be harder on you with your punishment.

If this is your only drug charge, know that a judge may go easier on you with an alternative punishment. Getting in trouble with another drug charge between your arrest and your court appearance will ruin your chances at receiving the outcome you desire.

Be aware that an alternative punishment involved supervised drug testing to ensure that you have stopped using drugs. You could end up in jail for violating the rules of probation.

Document Your Progress

It can help to prove to a judge that you're taking the right steps toward recovering. Be sure to provide documentation that you have been going to counseling or meetings about addiction, which can show a judge that you are serious about changing your ways.

These are just a few techniques that can help receive an alternative punishment. Your lawyer can let you know of other things you can do to help your case.

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