The London Drug Treatment Court (DTC) is a specialized court in London, Ontario that provides a rehabilitative program for offenders struggling with substance abuse. In order to be eligible for the DTC, you must:
- be at least 16 years old;
- have been charged with a non-violent offence related to your substance use;
- are currently struggling with substance use, and;
- have a criminal history.
There are also other eligibility criteria, such as the length of jail sentence being sought by the Crown’s.
The DTC program is voluntary and you must be referred to it by a lawyer. Referring lawyers will meet with the Crown, the DTC judge, as well as community advocates throughout the application and acceptance process. If the program accepts your lawyer’s referral, then you must complete a 30-day assessment before being formally accepted.
In order to be accepted, you must satisfy the acceptance criteria. This criteria includes: your desire to change your substance use and eventually stop using altogether; a fixed address approved by the Crown; your participation in the screening process; and your willingness to commit to the drug treatment plan set out for you in the screening process, which includes all services and appointments.
In addition to living a sober life, a benefit of the DTC is that it can help avoid jail time where it would otherwise be warranted.
Do you have questions about the London Drug Treatment Court? Contact DeMelo Law. 519.204.7966