What is drug court in South Carolina?

People who are facing drug charges in South Carolina may have to deal with significant penalties if convicted. It’s sometimes possible to mitigate those penalties, but this requires a very focused defense strategy.

For some defendants who are facing drug charges, drug court is an option to seriously consider. This isn’t something that’s guaranteed, partly because of strict requirements about who can participate in this program.

Strict requirements for drug court

People who participate in drug court can’t be facing a violent charge. They also can’t have a restraining order against them or have been incarcerated in the previous five years for a violent offense. Further, previous participation in the program is a disqualifier.

Once the person is in drug court, they have to comply with all court orders and program plans. These include:

• Meeting with a supervision officer as required
• Taking random and planned drug tests
• Holding a job and having stable housing
• Avoiding criminal charges
• Participating in substance abuse programs as required

Other terms for the drug court may apply, depending on a participant’s circumstances. If the person successfully completes drug court, they can avoid incarceration and have their charge dismissed.

Anyone who’s facing drug charges and believes they qualify for drug court should explore this option early in their case. It’s a good idea to continue to work on a defense strategy until they’re formally accepted into the program.

Understanding the terms of drug court is critical because it’s a major life change for many people who are facing drug charges. Having experienced legal guidance can help you make the best decisions for your case.