New Jersey Criminal Defense Blog

Based on a capemaycountyherald.com report, a recent Drug Court program graduation held on September 21, 2009 reflects how nonviolent offenders have a chance at successful rehabilitation. According to the article, three individuals graduated from the Cape May County Drug Court and 14 others reached the program’s final phase on September 15, 2009. Since its beginning five years ago, the Cape May County Drug Court has had involvement from 577 defendants sentenced to the program, 315 active participants, and 26 graduates. The program has also contributed to the drug-free births of 20 babies. With a retention rate of 61.3 percent, the program is typically a five-year process and circulates around addiction counseling, curfews, mandatory recovery meetings (Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous), and even random visits from probation officers.

One member of the program stated that the crimes he committed were “all related to drugs and alcohol.” When this particular participant was facing DWI, theft, burglary, and drug charges in multiple Cape May County areas, he was a prescription drug addict. He was given the choice of going to drug court or serving a four-year sentence in prison. For individuals facing similar nonviolent charges, Drug Court gives drug addicts and alcoholics the stability and organization they need to learn ways to become an industrious member of society.

According to the story, Drug Court statistics revealed that 70 to 85 percent of all crime in America is carried out by individuals that are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Not only do Drug Courts help addicts that have committed crimes receive the counseling they need to live drug-free lives, but Drug Court treatment is also cost-effective.