According to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. (NCADD), drug addiction can lead to criminal behavior. The NCADD explains how virtually all types of violent crime are often associated with illegal drug use, and this includes aggravated assaults, rape, burglary, theft-related offenses, and murder.
Drug addiction and crime go hand in hand, and this correlation has become a widespread epidemic across the United States. The American criminal justice system needs to help break the chain that links drug addiction to criminal behavior in our society.
Jail or prison alone has had little effect on the reduction of drug addiction, nor has it promoted recovery for drug dependent individuals. When someone is incarcerated without access to alcohol and drug addiction treatment, and with no specific plans for treatment upon discharge, punishment is not only costly, but it has proven ineffective and America is ready for a change.
For many men and women incarcerated in the criminal justice system, it is impossible to prevent re-arrest upon discharge without treating their addiction. According to the Uniform Crime Reporting Program (UCRP) of the FBI, there were nearly 1.7 million arrests for drug abuse violations in 2009 alone.
Drug Crime Statistics in America
Statistics about drug crime in America:
- 1 in 100 U.S. citizens are incarcerated.
- The United States imprisons more people per capita than 26 of the largest European countries combined.
- The incarceration rates for young African-American men in the U.S. between the ages of 20 and 34 are nine times greater.
- 80% of offenders abuse either drugs or alcohol.
- Nearly 50% of inmates are clinically addicted.
- About 60% of offenders test positive for illegal drugs upon arrest.
- 60-80% of drug abusers commit a new crime after they are released from prison.
- Approximately 95% of offenders resume substance abuse after being release from prison.
(Source: National Association of Drug Court Professionals)
The NCADD openly recognizes the grave impact that drug use has had on the preponderance of crime in the United States. The NCADD asserts that with treatment and recovery support, millions of offenders who are subject to the criminal justice system can break the chain through “long-term recovery from addiction.”
We Are Sensitive to Our Clients' Inner Struggles
At The Hammer Law Firm, LLC, we are sensitive to our clients' inner struggles, and we believe in fighting tirelessly to ensure that we explore a rehabilitative approach, versus a harsh punishment that does not address the source of the criminal behavior.
“Mark and I are invested in our clients' lives, health, and futures, and understand that drug and alcohol addiction sometimes plays a significant role in the situations they have found themselves in. We are sensitive to their struggles and will fight tirelessly to make sure that they are helped, instead of punished, for criminal conduct that was merely a negative by-product of their substance abuse problems.” ~ Attorney Nicole Chiravollatti
Were you arrested on drug-related charges, or did you commit a crime while under the influence of drugs or alcohol? If so, contact our office to work with a team of former prosecutors with over 60 years of experience.
Contact us to schedule a free, confidential consultation with one of our compassionate attorneys.