Proposition 36 is a voter-passed initiative that allows people charged with certain non-violent drug offenses to enter a drug treatment program rather than serve jail or prison time. Under Proposition 36, the person pleads guilty or no contest to the non-violent drug charge, is placed on probation, and must complete one year of drug treatment and 6 months of after-care. If the person successfully completes the rehabilitation program and any other terms of probation, the charges may then be dismissed by the court.
Not everyone charged with a drug crime can qualify for Proposition 36. For those who do, however, Proposition 36 may provide an excellent alternative. It may keep the individual out of custody, provide the opportunity for addiction treatment, and ultimately result in the dismissal of the individual’s drug conviction.
If you or someone you care about faces a drug-related charge, the attorneys at the Weinrieb Law Firm can help explain the issues involved and properly defend against them.