Being arrested for drug possession or an alcohol related infraction is a very stressful and difficult time. You are likely feeling fearful, defeated, and perhaps even regretful. Often when an individual is arrested for a drug or alcohol crime it is becomes the impetus for them to seek drug or alcohol treatment.
Seeking substance abuse treatment at this time is usually a very good idea. The drug or alcohol situation which led to the arrest has already caused significant problems in a person’s life ahead of the actual legal problem. Family, job related or personal struggles have often already come to light and your recent arrest is “the icing on the cake” so to speak. At this point going to treatment is a good idea, even if it is only to fix your legal troubles. You do not have to be at “rock bottom” to reap the benefits of drug or alcohol counseling. The treatment you will receive will do more than just aim to keep you off of substances, it helps improve your life, and can be a powerful tool in your legal defense.
Judges tend to look very favorably upon people who take the initiative to get a counseling or treatment plan in place ahead of their initial court appearances. It shows the judge that you sincerely see the problems that your substance abuse is causing you and society and that you want to change. Judges look for remorse, they look for the willingness to admit that you screwed up and are taking the steps to prevent a similar event in the future.
Judges also understand that often treatment becomes a necessity due to an arrest, they know that you may not even think you have a problem, or that you may not be ready to stop. However, by going to drug treatment, instead of serving jail time, judges know that you will have a much lower repeat offender rate and also save their state or municipality money in the long term. Treatment is much less expensive for society than a drawn out trial and period of incarceration. Statistics show that for every $1.00 spent on treatment saves about $7.00 in criminal justice costs. This is a motivating statistic for the courts, they want you in treatment, not jail or wrapped up in the justice system.
In treatment you will learn how substance abuse affects you. The counselors and fellowship around you will help you understand whether you are an addict, abuser or casual user who went over the edge. You will also find ways to cope with substance abuse, you will learn how to stay clean, sober and out of trouble and also how to enjoy your life without the use of mind altering chemicals. By learning these powerful lessons, you will be able to move on with your life as a more knowledgeable person and rise above your substance abuse and legal problems. Usually, your family life, work performance and personal struggles will get much better, almost immediately. This is good for you, for society, and for those who love you. Treatment is an excellent option, and one the courts will look favorably upon.
The American Trial Lawyers Association has named him one of the “Top 100 Trial Lawyers in California” each year since 2007. Los Angeles magazine has identified Darren as a “SuperLawyer” every year since 2010. Darren received an “AV Preeminent Rating” by Martindale-Hubbell (a peer review ranking that signals the highest level of professional excellence and ethics); a perfect 10.0 Rating by Avvo.com (an independent attorney ranking site), and many other accolades.