Drug Crime Defense Lawyers Serving Clients in Tampa & Sarasota

Alternative Sentencing Attorneys at Musca Law

In the state of Florida, programs have been established with the purpose of helping drug offenders with their drug problems.  Luckily, if a person gets arrested and charged with a drug offense in Tampa of Sarasota there are more ways of resolving the issue than there were in the past.  Alternative sentencing is an available option to drug offenders who need help for substance abuse problems, and is a process that allows for rehabilitation on the part of the defendant rather than punishment.  Not every drug offender will have alternative sentencing available to them, and their eligibility will depend on the severity of their charges, any previous criminal convictions, and the skills of their drug crime defense attorney. 

There are several sentencing alternatives available to drug offenders in Tampa and Sarasota and our drug crime defense lawyers can help determine if these options are available to your specific case.  These alternative sentences include:

Pretrial Diversion

This program, run by the State Attorney’s Office, is typically reserved for first time drug offenders whose crime was non-violent.  After being accepted into this alternative sentencing program, defendant’s will report to a supervising officer (like a probation officer) once a month, undergo random drug testing, complete community service hours, and refrain from all criminal activity.  After successfully completing pretrial diversion, charges will be dropped.

Pretrial Intervention

This program is run by the court and is a good option for those who have previous marks on their criminal records.  Upon being accepted into this alternative sentencing program, the defendant will have to report to court on a regular basis, be evaluated for drug abuse problems and undergo any recommended treatment, complete any special requirements order by the Court, and refrain from participating in criminal activity. 

Drug Court

Drug court was created for first time felony drug offenders and provides for the identification, evaluation, management, and placement of drug offenders who have substance abuse problems.  Drug court is an opportunity for drug abusing defendants to be rehabilitated and is a happy alternative to being tried and sentenced in the criminal system. 

To find out what kinds of alternative sentences you may be able to receive for your drug charges, contact a drug crime defense lawyer at Musca Law today!