Sometimes, there are crimes that people are convicted of that probably
affect very few people except the person that is arrested and charged
with the crime. This is common for those arrested for drug crimes in New
Jersey and many people who are convicted of these crimes end up in prison,
taking up space and resources that could be better utilized elsewhere.
A bill that we have written about many times and that passed the New Jersey
Senate last month has now passed the Assembly, which would make it easier
for judges to send those convicted of drug crimes to treatment instead
of prison.

Similar legislation has been proposed by Gov. Chris Christie. The bill
now has to be signed by the governor before it can become law. He says
the program that the bill works to establish will help treat people who
are dependent on drugs instead of crowding them into prisons.

This bill also helps raise awareness to the fact that many people who are
found guilty of drug crimes might want alternative treatment to solve
the root of their problem. This program would include non-violent people
who are dependent on drugs. It will start with a few counties and slowly
become a statewide program over the next five years.

People accused of drug crimes in New Jersey might have a difficult time
understanding their rights and the legal system, as well as if they can
participate in these or similar programs. An experienced attorney can
help a person navigate the legal system and explore all options in a criminal
defense case.

Source: Associated Press, “N.J. lawmakers approve mandatory drug treatment
bill,” June 25, 2012