Urban Drug Court

The Urban Drug Court is a sentencing option for persons convicted of non violent crimes that occur in the city of Pontiac, Michigan. The residency of the Defendant does not have to be in Pontiac – just the non violent crime must have occurred there. A violent crime is defined as an offense involving the death or serious bodily injury to any individual OR the carrying, possessing, or use of a firearm or other dangerous weapon, whether or not it is an element of the crime. Other participation requirements of this program include: the participant may not have a prior conviction for a felony involving the use or attempted use of force against another with the intent to cause death or serious bodily harm; the participant must have either a substance abuse or dual dependence diagnosis; and the participant must be willing to admit that he or she has a drug problem and are willing to do something about it.

The length of the Urban Drug Court program is anywhere from a year to two years. Discharge occurs when it is felt that the participant has successfully completed all components of the program and has shown a commitment to their recovery. Entry into this program is not automatic. The Defendant is evaluated by the Urban Drug Court team to determine their eligibility, and it is up to the sentencing Judge to allow for the program.

The program involves: frequent, random drug and alcohol tests; attendance and participation in Drug Court every other week; support groups such as AA, NA, or Smart Recovery; appearing and participating in counseling sessions; completing any assignments; abstinence from drugs and alcohol; avoiding contact with known drug users; obeying all laws; reporting to probation as ordered; obeying all rules of the Urban Drug Court and any treatment center that the person is involved with. There are some funds available through the program to cover the costs of the alcohol/drug treatment.

When you are accused of a criminal offense, it is important to hire a lawyer who is aware of all possible options. The lawyer’s knowledge of a particular program make all the difference on the case. Lawyers that do not have all the possible sentence options that are available are not able to fully and properly advocate for their clients. Knowledge of a particular program, and the ability to present that option to the Court, may be the difference between probation and jail or prison. The difference between probation and incarceration may be what maintains a job, keeps a family fed, pays the mortgage, takes care of pets, and otherwise helps the people that rely on the client. There are many lawyers that never update themselves on changes in the law, or new programs that are adopted only in particular jurisdictions. The only person who suffers or who is penalized by this lack of knowledge is the client. For excellent, thorough legal representation for all criminal law issues your best best is to hire Attorney Daniel Hilf of the law firm of Hilf & Hilf, PLC. He truly cares about his clients.