Preparing For a Court-Ordered Substance Abuse Evaluation

 Posted on January 22, 2025 in Criminal Defense

It is well-known that substance abuse disorders can drive ordinarily law-abiding people to become involved with the criminal justice system. People who become addicted to drugs are often motivated to commit crimes like theft, robbery, or prostitution to keep paying for substances. Violent crimes like assaults are another common result of substance abuse. Then, there is the fact that people can be arrested just for possessing the illicit drugs they are addicted to. Alcohol use can be just as problematic as illicit drug use for many. If you are arrested and the court suspects that you have a substance abuse disorder, you may be ordered to submit to a drug and alcohol abuse evaluation. A well-qualified Towson, MD criminal defense attorney can help you take advantage of court-ordered substance abuse treatment programs to resolve your charges and set you on a better path in recovery.

Honesty is the Best Policy During Substance Abuse Evaluations 

If you are struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, you likely know already what the results of your substance abuse evaluation will show. You may be tempted to lie during your evaluation, especially if you do not feel ready to enter a program of recovery. A lot of people fear being drug tested more frequently during any period of court supervision if they are deemed to have a substance abuse disorder.

However, it is important to be honest and not try to cover up your substance abuse problem. If an evaluation has been ordered, the court strongly suspects that drugs or alcohol were a factor in your arrest and that you require treatment. Tell the truth about what substances you are using, how much, and how frequently you are using them. You may be offered or ordered to attend a treatment program that can really help you, not only with your case but in all areas of your life.

Treatment as an Alternative to Incarceration 

After a conviction, your attorney may be able to ask the court to sentence you to substance abuse treatment and court supervision rather than incarceration. Court-ordered treatment can give you an opportunity to learn the coping strategies you need to avoid sliding back into addiction and being re-arrested in the future. Maryland’s treatment courts have been shown to reduce recidivism. It is also preferable to jail time for most people. However, you will need to put significant effort into your treatment in order to succeed in these programs.

Contact a Baltimore County, MD Criminal Defense Attorney

Seger Law, LLC is committed to helping people who are involved with the criminal justice system take advantage of court-ordered treatment programs. Compassionate Towson, MD post-conviction relief attorney Chelsey Seger will strive to get you treatment instead of jail time. Contact us at 443-208-4692 for a complimentary consultation.