There are thousands of people across Iowa and likely just within the Des Moines area who struggle with addiction. Whether their addiction is to synthetic opioids, heroin, methamphetamine or other controlled substances, those struggling with addiction will likely encounter complications in their personal life. They could easily wind up facing criminal charges related to drug use or possession.
Putting someone struggling with addiction in jail does very little to resolve the addiction itself or the social issues it produces. That is one reason why drug courts are a viable alternative option for those worried about the impact of pending drug charges related to addiction.
What are the Iowa drug courts?
The Iowa drug courts are one of a number of different unique court systems developed within the state of Iowa to help facilitate rehabilitation instead of just punishment for those involved in the criminal justice system. The goal is to help people recover from addiction and become productive members of society.
All too often, incarceration for a drug-related conviction and the social consequences that follow only reinforce the issues that lead to the person’s addiction in the first place. That means that those who serve their time may be at risk of re-offending and winding up back in state custody.
Instead of just locking someone off to and labeling them a criminal, the drug courts provide an alternative option that involves inpatient treatment, supervised release and routine drug testing. The drug courts can be a very viable way for someone struggling with addiction and the criminal consequences related to that addiction to address their chemical dependence and find a way to resolve the underlying issues driving it. If you’re interested in learning more, an experienced defense attorney can help.
