Drug Court (Pinellas County)

Drug court is an alternative path for many drug and drug related cases. The focus of drug court is not on punishment but on rehabilitation. Not all cases are accepted into Drug Court. Clients with multiple or recent sales will probably not be eligible. The Law Office of Timothy Hessinger, P.A. can quickly evaluate your case or cases and determine your eligibility and make application on the client's behalf. This process usually includes direct and written contact with the State Attorneys Office.

Once a client is accepted into Drug Court there are two paths that cases can take. The best path is Drug Court Pre-Trial Diversion. If a client is allowed to participate in drug court, application can be made by The Law Office of Timothy Hessinger, P.A. for the client to participate in Drug Court Pre-Trial Diversion.

This Diversion program has the following requirements and benefits:

1. A par evaluation (approx $125)
2. 18 months probation
3. Possible early termination of probation after 12 months
4. Obtain GED
5. No alcohol or drugs
6. A judicial review every six weeks (the client appears in court and the court reviews the client's progress)
7. Drug treatment is at the level specified by PAR
8. The case is dismissed upon successful completion of the program

The other path is Drug Court with the following requirements and benefits:

1. A par evaluation (approx. $125)
2. 24 months probation
3. Possible early Termination of probation after 12 months
4. Obtain GED
5. No alcohol or drugs
6. Drug Treatment at the level specified by PAR
7. Judicial review every six weeks
8. Adjudication is usually withheld (no conviction)

The Law Office of Timothy Hessinger, P.A. can petition the State Attorney for a client's participation in Drug Court and Drug Court Pre-trial Diversion. Early intervention with the State Attorney's Office can often be important.