Does Palm Beach County Have a Drug Court?

Most people want to avoid a criminal conviction at all costs, especially a felony conviction. Once you have a felony on your record, it becomes much more difficult to get a job, to find housing, and for younger people, to get into the college of their dreams or get a scholarship.

A felony conviction can also affect child custody (for parents), the ability to get security clearance, and it can stop someone from joining the military or getting a job in law enforcement. A criminal record can also lead to the denial or revocation of a professional license, such as a notary license, a real estate license, or a nursing license among others.

Is There an Alternative to Prosecution?

Most people facing drug charges are willing to do just about anything to avoid a criminal conviction, and this is where drug court comes in. “Florida started the national drug court movement in 1989 by creating the first drug court in the United States in Miami-Dade County,” according to Florida Courts.

The Florida Courts continue, “In the years since Florida pioneered the drug court concept, numerous studies have confirmed that drug courts significantly reduce crime, provide better treatment outcomes, and produce better cost benefits than other criminal justice strategies.” So, does Palm Beach County have a drug court?

Adult Drug Court

Yes, Palm Beach County does have a drug court called the Adult Drug Court Program, which provides substance abuse treatment to eligible individuals. To qualify for the Palm Beach County Adult Drug Court Program, the offender:

• Must not be facing charges for a violent crime.
• Faces felony charges for a drug-related crime.
• Must be a resident of Palm Beach County.
• Is not currently on probation or parole.
• Does not have another open criminal case.

Those who qualify for drug court must submit to random drug testing and participate in substance abuse treatment and counseling. The individual will be closely supervised by the Drug Court Judge for at least one year and upon successful completion of the Drug Court Program, their charge will be dismissed and their first-time criminal records will be eligible for a sealing or expungement.

Related: Can I Get a Restricted License After a Drug Conviction?

Are you interested in learning more about drug court? To find out if your case may be eligible, contact my West Palm Beach criminal defense firm today.