COMPASSIONATE ALLIES, AGGRESSIVE ADVOCATES

Alternative Sentencing

Prisons today are filled with individuals whose criminal patterns are driven by drug addiction, alcoholism, and mental health disorders. Usually, there is a cycle of family violence, childhood trauma or post-traumatic stress that adds to the problem.

Unfortunately, the way in which our criminal system is set up requires the District Attorney to push for jail or prison terms, regardless of the defendant’s past. Caseloads have more than doubled in recent years, making it difficult for the State to address the problems of drug and alcohol addiction and mental health. As a result, the State has failed to provide people with the help they need, thus leaving open a revolving door for those struggling with addiction and mental illness. Moreover, State-sponsored programs allowing for alcohol and drug diversion and psychological care have been compromised by limited budgets.

However, there is a wide array of alternative sentencing available. Thanks to collaborative court efforts, alternative sentencing goes beyond simply implementing punishment. The goal of alternative sentencing is to address core addiction and mental health problems. Alternative sentencing allows the defendant to serve a sentence outside of jail or complete alternative programs in lieu of jail time. Such programs include sober living homes, alcoholics and narcotics anonymous meetings, private and public recovery facilities, mental health treatment, behavior monitoring, house arrest, community service, private jails and more. These programs are offered to veterans, drug addicts, people dealing with mental health issues, and other people suffering from distinct and addressable problems.

The fact of the matter is that judges are not interested in promises or excuses. They have heard them all before. Judges want to see people take action in their own recovery and mental wellbeing. My office is dedicated to helping you achieve that goal. I am committed to proactively addressing any problems you are facing with addiction, mental health or post-traumatic stress. I have been a registered nurse for over 20 years and have dealt with hundreds of cases that require special attention to the area of mental health and addiction.

Finally, alternative sentencing offers an individual the opportunity to change his or her life for the better. You have the right to change yours and I am committed to getting you the help you need. We not only challenge the court, the prosecution and probation, but we challenge you. Are you willing to start making positive changes in your life? Please call me today and will discuss your case at absolutely no charge.

Please see our Resources page for help with drug and alcohol addiction and mental health issues.