Orange County Drug Crimes Lawyer

Alternative Sentencing in Orange County, California

As an Orange County criminal defense lawyer, alternative sentencing is an option I may consider for a client who is facing drug crime charges. In some cases, there is simply no way to avoid a conviction and therefore I must work to help my client avoid jail time and other harsh penalties. Alternative sentencing is how I, as a defense lawyer, can help my clients as best I can.

While alternative sentencing is never an option I pursue at the very beginning of a drug case, it may be a viable option for many clients, particularly those facing minor drug crime charges (such as drug possession). Alternative sentences are typically aimed toward rehabilitation rather than punishment. In the case of drug crimes, this usually means government mandated drug rehabilitation treatment, community service, and other similar actions rather than jail time.

Alternative Sentencing for Orange County Drug Crimes

Alternative sentencing for drug crimes is covered under Proposition 36, which was passed by California voters in 2000. Also referred to as the "Substance Abuse and Crime Prevention Act," this changed state law to allow for first and second-time non-violent simple drug possession offenders to receive treatment in lieu of jail time. Focusing on rehabilitating and treating drug offenders, Proposition 36 helps people turn their lives around instead of sending them straight to jail.

Some additional forms of alternative sentencing used in California include: Drug Diversion Programs, community service, house arrest, "weekend jail", electronic monitoring and more.

I believe in the power of alternative sentencing for drug crime offenders, and I am committed to doing what I can, as an Orange County drug crimes attorney, to help my clients avoid imprisonment and instead receive treatment which will help to improve their lives.

Contact Orange County drug crime defense lawyer Barney B. Gibbs today!