Many people currently incarcerated in Pennsylvania are behind bars because they have substance dependencies that made them behave in ways they otherwise might not. If you count yourself among those facing drug-related charges you likely would not face, had it not been for your substance dependency, you may have legitimate concerns about having to potentially spend time in jail or prison as part of your sentence.
However, Cumberland County has an option available to some drug offenders that may help reduce or eliminate some of the penalties you face after a drug conviction. Launched in 2006, the Adult Treatment Court seeks to hold you or other drug offenders accountable for your offenses while giving you the tools and resources you need to stop using.
What to expect in the program
Not everyone is a good candidate for Adult Treatment Court. That said, if you do gain entry into the program, you should anticipate remaining in it for 18 months. During this time, plan on making regular appearances in the court in front of a judge. Plan, too, to have regular contact with your probation or parole officer and treatment providers, all of whom work in conjunction to help you overcome your substance dependency.
How the program might impact your case
If you successfully complete the Adult Drug Court Program, your doing so should have a notable and positive outcome on your case. After completion, you have the option of petitioning the court to dismiss or reduce your drug charge or have your record expunged.
During your tenure in drug court, you may also receive sanctions for breaking court rules, or, conversely, incentives for following them.