As someone facing a Missouri drug charge, you may have valid fears about having to spend time in jail, among other penalties, if your charge leads to a conviction. Depending on circumstances, though, you may have an opportunity to enroll in drug court, rather than logging time behind bars.

Per Greene County, the county operates an adult treatment court that merges accountability, treatment and related services. It does so with the intent of giving you the tools and support you need to overcome your dependency. The county’s program takes at least 18 months to complete and involves you making regular appearances before the court to make sure you are complying with all program terms.

Factors that treatment court eligibility

Whether you have the option of enrolling in drug court depends on whether you meet specific eligibility requirements. You must apply for admittance, and you must be a Greene County resident who is at least 17 years of age.

You also need to meet at least one of several additional criteria. You may be able to gain entry into treatment court if you are facing a felony or serious misdemeanor and acknowledge you have a dependency. Conversely, you may be able to participate if you have a positive drug test when authorities arrest you. You may, too, be able to do so if your charge is drug-related or if your attorney, family or friends attest that you do, in fact, have a substance abuse dependency.

Additional criteria

Before gaining entry into treatment court in Greene County, you also have to attest that you understand and agree to all requirements of the court. You must also undergo and receive a score within a particular range on an assessment screening and sign a consent form and other paperwork as needed.