Marijuana and California Drug Courts

The California Judicial Council adopted section 36 of the California Standards of Judicial Administration, Guidelines for Diversion Drug Court Programs, effective January 1, 1998. Drug courts are a relatively new part of our judicial system, having been around nationally only since the 1990s. These courts have proven to reduce the rate of recidivism and cost to taxpayers when compared to conventional penalties that include prison sentences. In the case of a marijuana offense, drug courts will typically refer participants to a marijuana program in order to treat their marijuana dependence rather than punish them for it. Marijuana Rehabilitation Centers are private entities that must adhere to state guidelines in order to be used by participants of drug court.

There are several benefits to participating in drug court:

• You attend a treatment program instead of going to jail or prison
• If you complete the treatment program, your marijuana charges are dismissed
• You have some choice over what treatment program you attend
• A lower recidivism rate means participants stay drug free more often

There are several things that can make you ineligible for drug court:

• If the charges you face involve a crime of violence or the threat of violence
• If the charges you face include selling marijuana
• You have drug related convictions
• You previously had your parole or probation revoked without completing it
• You have been previously diverted to drug court within the last 5 years
• You have a felony conviction within the last 5 years

Even in cases where the penalties might not seem severe enough to want to participate in a marijuana treatment program, you may still wish to pursue drug court due to the benefit of having your charge dismissed. A dismissed marijuana charge is far more desirable than a conviction when it comes to your record. Convictions may have to be reported on job, school, and licensing applications.

Follow this link for more information about California Marijuana Laws and California Medical Marijuana Laws