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Drug Court and Felony Pretrial Intervention Lawyer Tampa FL | Avoid a Drug Conviction
Can Drug Court Help You Avoid a Felony Conviction?
Being arrested for a drug offense can feel overwhelming. Many people immediately worry about jail, losing their job, professional licenses, immigration consequences, and having a permanent criminal record. The good news is that some first-time offenders and qualifying individuals may be eligible for Drug Court or Felony Pretrial Intervention (PTI), programs designed to provide treatment and supervision instead of a conviction.
As a Board-Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer and former prosecutor, I help clients determine whether Drug Court, Pretrial Intervention, or another diversion option is the best path toward protecting their future.
What Is Drug Court?
Drug Court is a specialized court program designed to address substance abuse issues that contribute to criminal behavior. Rather than focusing exclusively on punishment, Drug Court combines treatment, supervision, accountability, and regular court appearances.
Participants are typically required to:
- Attend substance abuse treatment.
- Submit to random drug testing.
- Meet regularly with probation or case management personnel.
- Appear before the Drug Court judge.
- Maintain compliance with all program requirements.
Successful completion can result in significant benefits, including dismissal of charges in some cases or avoiding a felony conviction.
What Is Felony Pretrial Intervention?
Felony Pretrial Intervention (PTI) is a diversion program available to certain qualifying defendants before a conviction occurs. Unlike traditional prosecution, PTI allows eligible participants to complete conditions established by the State Attorney’s Office and supervising agencies.
When PTI is successfully completed, the State may dismiss the charges.
For many clients, this outcome is far better than pleading guilty and receiving a criminal conviction.
Who May Qualify for Drug Court or PTI?
Eligibility depends on numerous factors, including:
- Criminal history.
- Nature of the charge.
- Substance abuse history.
- Input from prosecutors.
- Assessment recommendations.
- Ability to comply with treatment requirements.
Many first-time felony offenders charged with non-violent drug offenses are candidates for diversionary programs. Every case is different, and eligibility should be evaluated by an experienced criminal defense attorney.
Why You Should Speak with a Lawyer Before Entering Drug Court
Many people mistakenly believe they should automatically accept the first Drug Court offer presented by the prosecution.
That can be a costly mistake.
Before entering any diversion program, an attorney should evaluate:
- Whether the arrest was lawful.
- Whether the search violated constitutional rights.
- Whether the evidence can be suppressed.
- Whether the charges can be reduced or dismissed outright.
- Whether Drug Court is actually the best option.
Sometimes dismissal through litigation is a better result than months of supervision and treatment requirements.
What Happens If You Fail Drug Court?
Drug Court can be highly effective, but it is also demanding.
Participants who repeatedly violate program rules may face sanctions that can include:
- Additional treatment requirements.
- Increased supervision.
- Community service.
- Short periods of incarceration.
- Termination from the program.
If a participant is removed from Drug Court, the underlying criminal case generally continues.
For that reason, it is important to have an attorney who understands both the criminal case and the Drug Court process.
Can Drug Charges Be Dismissed?
Yes.
Many drug cases are dismissed because of:
- Illegal traffic stops.
- Invalid search warrants.
- Unlawful vehicle searches.
- Defective laboratory testing.
- Chain-of-custody problems.
- Constitutional violations.
My first goal is always to determine whether the charges can be defeated outright before recommending any diversion program.
Why Hire Casey Ebsary?
I am W.F. “Casey” Ebsary Jr., a Board-Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer with decades of courtroom experience handling drug cases throughout Tampa Bay.
I have served as a prosecutor and have extensive experience evaluating Drug Court and diversion opportunities. My clients receive personal attention, aggressive representation, and strategic guidance designed to minimize the long-term consequences of a criminal charge.
Whether the best solution is dismissal, suppression of evidence, Drug Court, Pretrial Intervention, or trial, I will help you evaluate every available option.
Contact a Tampa Drug Court Attorney Today
If you or a loved one has been charged with a felony drug offense in Hillsborough County, Pinellas County, Pasco County, Polk County, or elsewhere in Florida, do not assume a conviction is inevitable.
There may be alternatives available that can protect your future.
Call the Law Office of W.F. Casey Ebsary Jr. today at (813) 222-2220 or contact us online to discuss Drug Court, Felony Pretrial Intervention, and other defense strategies that may help you avoid a criminal conviction.
Prior Post from 2010
Tampa Drug Court
Navigating the complexities of drug charges in Tampa Bay requires compassionate and experienced legal guidance. As a dedicated Tampa Drug Court Attorney, W. F. ”Casey” Ebsary, Jr., understands the challenges individuals face when dealing with substance-related offenses. With a commitment to helping those struggling with addiction, Casey Ebsary provides valuable insights into the Tampa Drug Court program and offers comprehensive legal support for individuals facing marijuana, cocaine, prescription, and other drug charges.
“People with addiction issues are not bad people trying to get good, but sick people trying to get well.”
As a qualified Tampa Drug Court Attorney, W. F. ”Casey” Ebsary, Jr., can assist you in obtaining a substance abuse assessment by a licensed treatment provider. After the assessment, there is a treatment recommendation to the Court. In Tampa Drug Court he Judge makes an offer to the client of an opportunity to participate in the Drug Court program. If the offer is rejected, the charges are transferred to another felony division for prosecution. You can review a sample drug court pretrial intervention agreement here.
Fighting for You, a Friend, or your Family
813-222-2220
Marijuana, cocaine, prescription, and other drug charges can be dropped. Tampa Bay area drug defense lawyer W. F. ”Casey” Ebsary has experience and training as both a Prosecutor and helping people navigate treacherous waters when drug charges are at hand.
“comprehensive drug treatment program for non-violent people charged with drug crimes”
A team approach is used in both the Pinellas and Hillsborough County Courts. Hernando, Pasco and Polk County also offer alternative and Deferred Prosecution Programs. The Programs are a court-supervised, comprehensive drug treatment program for non-violent people charged with drug crimes. They are voluntary programs that use frequent appearances before the drug court judge and substance abuse rehabilitation by trained professionals. Twelve Step fellowships including Narcotics Anonymous are also encouraged and, in most instances, required. Participants will appear before the drug court judge every 30 to 45 days. Upon completion of the Program, the charges may be dismissed.
“petition the court for a dismissal of the charges”
Avoid a Conviction
Some people enter the programs as a condition of probation, successful completion may result in adjudication being withheld and/or a reduced length of probation and is a 24-month program. After completion of at least one year, persons who have completed treatment, remained drug free and completed all of their requirements of Pre-Trial Intervention or probation may petition the court for a dismissal of the charges (Pre-Trial Intervention) or early termination of probation.
The Judge decides which form of treatment, based on the recommendation found within the substance abuse assessment conducted by the licensed treatment provider. Frequent judicial review hearings and drug testing are used to closely monitor the progress in treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions | FAQ
What is the Drug Court?
Drug Court, Drug Pre-Trial Intervention
Criminal Defense Attorney, DACCO,
Department of Corrections
Drug Court is an 18 month supervision program with Department of Corrections / Drug Pre-Trial Intervention. This is also a 12 to 18 month treatment program with treatment offered by DACCO. Upon successful completion of the treatment program and Drug Pre-Trial Intervention supervision your charges will be dismissed.
Need More Information? Call Casey and discuss how he can fight for you, a loved one, or your family.
Casey Can Be Reached at 813-222-2220.
Tampa | Hillsborough | Pinellas | Florida | Attorney | Lawyer
How does someone qualify for the Drug Pretrial Intervention DPTI – Drug Court?
- NOT have a prior felony conviction in the State of Florida or any other location
- Have a substance abuse and or addiction problem
- Be able to comply with the programs requirements & rules
- Have your own transportation in order to attend your appointments
- Be approved by the State Attorney’s Office, the Department of Corrections, Drug Pre-Tnal Intervention and DACCO (treatment agency)
What are the Main Program Requirements and Rules?
- Abstain from using all illegal drugs & alcohol
- Be able to furnish your own transportation to attend treatment appointments at: DACCO, 4422 East Columbus Drive. Tampa, Florida 33605 (813) 384-4001.
- Attend periodic case reviews in court
- Attend treatment counseling appointments to be scheduled Monday through Friday
- Abide by the Drug Pre-Trial Intervention contract
- Non-Compliance with the rules of the program may include placement in a substance abuse treatment program offered by a licensed service provider or in a jail-based treatment program or serving a period of incarceration within the time limits established for contempt of court (i.e. Up to Six Months in the Hilsborough County Jail)
- Prescribed narcotic pain medication may be limited or forbidden by the Court during the term of this program.
Drug Court and Drug Charge Defense Attorney, W.F. ”Casey” Ebsary, Jr., provided this series of frequently asked questions about the programs in place in Hillsborough County, Florida. Many other Florida Counties including Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando, and Polk have similar options available to those charged with prescription drug offenses, marijuana, cocaine, and other illegal substances.
Drug Court FAQ
Facing drug charges is daunting, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Casey The Lawyer, with a deep understanding of Tampa’s programs, stands ready to fight for you, your friend, or your family.
Casey Ebsary’s expertise can make a difference. Don’t let legal challenges define your future; reach out to Casey The Lawyer at 813-222-2220 for personalized, compassionate legal assistance.
Fighting for you or a friend. Law Office of W.F. ”Casey” Ebsary Jr 2102 W Cleveland St Tampa, Florida 33606 (813) 222-2220
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