If an individual is arrested for possession while being under the influence of a controlled substance—with no intent to distribute or sell—the court shall divert the case from criminal prosecution to a mandatory detoxification and rehabilitation program.
Upon successful completion of the full program without disciplinary violations, the original charge will be dismissed and sealed, allowing the individual to rebuild their life without a permanent criminal record.
Key Points:
Detox and Rehab Instead of Jail.
- First-time or non-violent offenders found to be struggling with addiction will be directed to approved medical detox and rehabilitation facilities.
- The goal is to treat addiction as a health crisis, not a criminal act.
Accountability Through Completion
- Participants must complete the entire program and maintain compliance with all facility rules.
- Failure to complete may result in the case returning to the court for traditional sentencing.
Dismissal Upon Success
- Upon completion, charges move from “filed” to “dismissed”, and individuals are eligible to have the record sealed or expunged.
- This ensures they can pursue employment, housing, and education opportunities without lasting stigma.
Public Safety and Cost Savings
- Treatment programs reduce recidivism and are more cost-effective than incarceration.
- Police and courts can focus resources on dealers, traffickers, and violent offenders, not users in need of help.
Community Re-entry Support
- The program would partner with local nonprofits and recovery centers to provide job placement, mentoring, and housing support after rehab completion.
Message to the Public:
“Addiction is not a crime—it’s a public health issue. By giving people a path to recovery instead of a permanent record, we create safer streets, stronger families, and a more compassionate Providence.”
