Addiction leads to countless consequences – relational, professional, financial, and even legal. Lakeside-Milam is state-approved and the largest provider of court-monitored services in Washington. We believe in helping the client and helping the attorney. Our deferred prosecution and legal support services are second to none.

Legal Issues Caused by Addiction

Substance abuse often leads to trouble with the law. People who drive under the influence, for example, may face jail time, loss of employment, vehicle impoundment, a restricted or lost driver’s license, fines, and court-ordered treatment. A DUI may result in other charges, even at the felony level, if harm is caused to another person.

Additionally, addiction may lead people to act in ways they usually wouldn’t. Drugs and alcohol are expensive; the financial stress created by substance use can result in people lying and stealing to obtain money for their substance of choice. This can take the form of “borrowing” money from family and friends, shoplifting from stores, or outright robbery.

People convicted of a drug-related crime wind up with a permanent criminal record. This can create difficulties securing loans, employment, or even voter registration. Historically, addiction was considered a crime rather than a disease. To an extent, this is still true today – obtaining, selling, and using illicit drugs, for example, carry hefty legal consequences.

If a person encounters legal trouble due to their drug use, deferred prosecution and legal support can be vital services.

What is Deferred Prosecution?

In some cases, first-time offenders for drug- and alcohol- related offenses may be eligible for deferred prosecution through a court-approved program. According to Avvo, this means that individuals are on a probationary period for either six months or a year, during which they take educational courses about the risks of substance use. After this period, if all criteria are met, the case will be dismissed, and individuals are eligible for an expungement of their criminal records.

Often, deferred prosecution programs involve some level of addiction treatment. First-time felony drug offenders may be eligible for court-approved drug rehabilitation programs, provided that they meet certain standards. For example, those who possess large amounts of illicit drugs or have dealt drugs are not able to pursue this alternative.

Deferred prosecution programs have certain standards, which often include:

• Signing an admission of guilt
• Submitting random drug screenings
• Receiving a drug assessment
• Following any treatment guidelines
• Completing a required amount of community service
• Meeting regularly with a case manager to assess progress
• Paying any program or treatment costs
• Continuing to work or go to school
• Not being convicted of anything while in the program (probation)

Deferred prosecution services help to divert offenders with substance use disorders out of the criminal justice system and into the appropriate level of care. This program offers them the chance to address one’s addiction and avoid future consequences.

What Do Deferred Prosecution and Legal Support Entail?

We know that no two clients are the same; addiction affects everyone in different ways, and each of us face unique obstacles and challenges throughout our lives. At Lakeside-Milam, our deferred prosecution and legal support program is completely individualized to the needs of each client. Based on an initial diagnostic evaluation, our team creates a treatment plan tailored to each person.

Program participants receive individual and group sessions, educational classes, therapy (cognitive behavioral therapy, rational emotive therapy), case management services, and regular participation in 12-Step meetings. Additionally, they will be randomly tested for substance use throughout the program.

Lakeside-Milam’s deferred prosecution includes…

• Immediate appointments for evaluation
• Client advocacy in court when requested
• Effective, evidence-based treatment tailored to each person
• Prompt status reports
• Affordable Alcohol & Drug Information School
• In-network insurance coverage from all major health plans

Through participation in a rehabilitation program, it is possible to break the cycle of addiction. Diversion plays an important role in improving outcomes, helping first-time offenders to begin to recover, and avoid future criminal activity.

Addiction is often at the heart of a DUI problem. Lakeside-Milam can help you to find a solution. For more information about deferred prosecution and legal support, please contact us today.