The consequences of any criminal charge are serious in terms of what it does to your family and career. It is possible that you’ve been charged with illegal possession of the controlled substance and not sure what to do next. Truth be told, the process is not as complicated as what most people think. But it is important that you know what to expect, so you can protect yourself.
In Harris County, an activity entitled Success Through Addiction Recovery program. Called STAR for short, the name aptly describes the program’s goal. This one applies to those who are caught on Illegal Possession of Controlled Substance.
In our justice system, criminal offenders who are drug addicts may be arrested for illegal possession of controlled substance or drugs. As they serve their drug habit, so also do they serve their jail or prison time.
The STAR program works to interrupt the repeat drug offender’s cycle in and out of jail or prison. Program participants are required to successfully complete a drug rehabilitation program. To graduate from STAR, they must remain sober and pay their fines and fees. In almost every case, the participant obtains a job and is employed by the time the program is completed. By requiring rehabilitation, sobriety, and employment, the STAR program works to ease the burden on the criminal justice system of the costs of the repeated cycle of incarceration.
Repeat drug offenders become productive, tax-paying citizens. Families are reconciled. Lives are transformed. Harris County Drug Courts are a smart, tough way to fight crime.
Eligibility and Referral
Only non-violent offenders with pending cases and a history of drug addiction are eligible for STAR. Even an old conviction for a crime of violence will render a candidate ineligible for the program.
Program participants include offenders of all ages, races, education levels, and economic backgrounds. The common denominator among all participants is a desire to change. It is mandatory that each participant express an interest in participating in the program, which is intensive, demanding, and strenuous.
Offenders are most often referred to as the STAR program by their attorneys. After the offender has been arrested and while the case is pending, the defense attorney may discuss the STAR program with the client and obtain the consent of the judge to refer the offender to the program. After an interview and screening process, the offender may be accepted to STAR.
If accepted, the offender is required to attend Drug Court weekly. Progress in the program is reviewed by the STAR team, which includes treatment providers, probation staff, program staff, and the judge. The participant is monitored by the court for two to four years until the program is successfully completed and the offender is rehabilitated into a productive member of society.
Those offenders who do not remain sober, or who fail to complete the requirements of the program, are expelled. They then serve the jail or prison time that would originally have been their punishment.
A criminal charge can have a huge impact on your life. A permanent criminal record can badly affect your career, personal relationships, finances, and family. And by no means, you want this to happen. So, when you are charged with it, call a reputable defense attorney immediately. It’s crucial that you’re well aware of your legal options and what needs to done to mitigate it.
Contact Local Defense Attorney
Contact a Texas Criminal defense attorney today who can provide you with a confidential consultation. He can also evaluate your case and counsel you on the best steps to take. Contact Mr. Yong J. An by calling or texting him 24/7 directly at (832) 428-5679.
Yong J. An, Criminal Defense and DWI attorney, Abogado de Defensa Criminal, Brazoria County, Pearland, Angleton. Lake Jackson, Manvel, Alvin, Freeport, Waller County, Hempstead, Chamber County. Anahuac, Montgomery County, Woodland, Conroe, Jefferson County, Beaumont, Liberty County. Also, Cleveland, Brazos County, College Station, Bryan, Fort Bend County, Sugar Land. Moreover, Richmond, Rosenberg, Missouri City, Harris County, Houston, Spring. Pasadena, Humble, Tomball, Cypress, Webster, Galena Park, South Houston, Deer Park. Katy, Baytown, Kingwood, Galveston County, League City, Texas City, Dickinson, Kemah, Friendswood, and Santa Fe.