For anyone who even pays a small amount of attention to the news, reading that drug addiction, particularly heroin and opioid addiction, is a widespread problem that continues to grow. No matter where you are in the country or who you are, you likely know someone who has been impacted by drug addiction - whether they were purchasing them on the streets or they got them from the pharmacy. While opioids are the most commonly talked about, there are many kinds of drug addiction and alcohol addictions.
The scale of drug addiction in Nebraska and the United States, in general, has been noted not only by drug defense attorneys, but by federal prosecutors, state officials, government leaders, and even doctors - and it has forced many within the legal system to think about the laws and punishments in different ways. Before now, the drug problem was handled in a fairly straightforward and shortsighted way: the offenders were put in jail and, once they served their time, would be released with little to no support. Soon enough, they would relapse and start the process over again.
However, this has resulted in overcrowded prisons and too many people dying instead of getting the help that they truly needed. Thankfully, many people are starting to consider something else: the thought that maybe we shouldn’t consider those with addiction problems as criminals, and instead provide treatment for the underlying problems. They argue that the focus should be on rehabilitation instead of punishment.
If you’re in need of an experienced Omaha drug charges lawyer who knows local, state, and federal drug laws and how to help you or someone that you love get back on track in life, book a no-obligation consultation with Daniel Stockmann by completing the form on this page or calling (844) 906-0641.
Rehabilitation Can Set People On The Right Path
There are some states that are already putting these plans into action - one such example is Massachusetts, where the state’s Supreme Court has issued landmark decisions based on drug addiction. Their focus is to take people who have been sentenced for drug use or paraphernalia multiple times over and put them into treatment instead of prison.
There are many reasons, people argue, that this method can help. It will, quite quickly, lower the number of people in prisons. It will also help those who have addiction get the help that will keep them clean for longer periods of time. Even more pressingly, in many cases, is that it will stop those with addiction from forming relationships with other prisoners who are in for “harder” crimes. These are the prisoners who have connections to get the drugs to the addict, enabling them to keep the addiction going. These relationships can have lasting ties outside of the prison system.
Of course, there are some people who believe that the current system does work, including the National Association of Drug Court Professionals. They believe that the system has proven that they can deliver clean people back into society and that if they do relapse, it couldn’t have been prevented.
There are other states that are looking to follow in the footsteps of Massachusetts. In fact, many states are looking at the rehabilitation alternative and the issue has even picked up national attention. The truth is that it may take some time to get the system to change - these things do not move quickly.
Those who have been charged with a drug crime, whether it is their first time or thirtieth time, may still work out a deal to go to a rehabilitation center instead of prison. This is something that is best argued by an experienced drug defense attorney who has worked within the local judicial system.
Do You Need A Drug Defense Attorney?
If you or someone you know has been charged with a drug crime, please contact an experienced drug defense attorney at Nebraska Interstate Drug Defense Lawyer. We stand at the ready to defend you against state or federal drug charges. Please contact us today at (402) 884-1031.
The sooner that you can start working with a drug defense attorney, the better it will be. At Nebraska Interstate Drug Defense, we do not judge or lecture you. Instead, we work with our vast knowledge of Nebraska law and Omaha court systems to find a solution that will help you to get your life back on track.
