In several key announcements and policy shifts, it appears as if the Obama Administration is supporting an approach to drug laws that marks a contrast from past administrations. While the “War on Drugs” started with Richard Nixon ages ago, it has taken years for the government to recognize its shortfalls and move towards correcting the problems where they begin.
In the past forty years, the answer to drug crimes has too often been to lock the offenders up. Get tough on crime. Teach them a lesson. But this method has done nothing more than make the United States a country of mass incarceration.
A treatment model is on the horizon however. And while many state laws still reflect these tough on crime laws, many judges, prosecutors, and now the President, support a more treatment based model.
According to this article from the Associated Press, Obama’s hands-off approach to California marijuana dispensaries and his encouragement to health providers to get involved in the treatment of their patients, all show a commitment to treatment rather than punishment.
It is said that if someone doesn’t develop an addiction by age 21 they are far less likely to develop one at all. The key then, in preventing drug crimes and addiction, it seems, is in preventing drug use at an early age.
Prevention and treatment show far more promise as effective crime control than incarceration, particularly for those with serious drug problems.
Although many state’s drug laws still reflect the war on drugs and the corresponding tough sentences, a drug case can often be pled out with the assistance of a cooperative prosecutor.
Depending on your criminal history and your history with alcohol and drugs, we may be able to work something out that would get you treatment instead of jail time. Of course, it all depends on the specific circumstances of your case.
Contact us today if you are facing drug charges. We are in touch with qualified criminal defense lawyers all over the country who are available to consult with you on criminal charges.
About David Matson