Addiction-Related Crimes
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “Addiction is defined as a chronic, relapsing brain disease that is characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences. It is considered a brain disease because drugs change the brain-they change its structure and how it works. These brain changes can be long-lasting, and can lead to harmful behaviors.”
It’s no secret that substance use disorder (addiction), is associated with a substantial number of criminal acts.
These crimes run the gamut from crimes such as drug possession, drug possession with intent to distribute, drug trafficking, OUI-Liquor, OUI-drugs, to larceny, robbery, to even violent crimes such as assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and rape.
The consequences of a guilty finding for any of these crimes can be serious.
Substance use disorder sufferers are very vulnerable. Many have been victimized themselves and people of any gender and any age are often sexually exploited.
Criminal cases involving substance use disorder are not simple. Defending the criminal charge might be easier than developing life-changing element that will reduce the risk of the substance use disorder client continuing to break the law.
Substance use disorder clients often suffer from co-occurring mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder..
Early exposure to drugs and alcohol during brain development, genetics, and a history of psychological trauma put individuals at risk for substance use disorder.
Clients suffering from substance use disorder not only need an experienced criminal defense attorney who will vigorously defend them against their alleged charges, but they need an attorney who understand addiction, is compassionate, empathetic, can be a “head cheerleader” for their success. They need that can help them navigate the complexity of addiction treatment, sobriety, continued support, and continued monitoring.
Again, these cases are hard.
That’s where I come in.
Handling addiction-related criminal cases is a passion of mine. These clients have amazing survival stories. Many are truly fighters in battling this unrelenting brain disease. They have much to offer otherswho are going though the same ebbs and flows. Substance use disorder sufferers are amazing people.
If you are battling addiction and are accused of a crime, please call me right away.