Low-Level Heroin Buyers Targeted in Reverse Sting Operation

 Posted on April 26, 2017 in Criminal Law

Heroin use and distribution is a serious problem in Illinois, and in particular Chicago and the surrounding areas. To help combat the heroin epidemic, the Chicago Police Department has developed a unique drug diversion program where the police can offer drug dealers the opportunity to enter into a drug rehabilitation program instead of facing jail time for drug-related offenses. Due to the success of the program, which has been in use since the spring of 2016, the Chicago Police Department has decided to scale up the program to see if more low-level drug offenders would be keen to the idea of seeking treatment instead of going to jail.

In March, law enforcement set up a reverse sting operation where they lured low-level heroin users to a location on the pretenses that the heroin users could buy dime bags of heroin, according to the Chicago Sun Times. The operation was the first time that the program had been extended to drug purchasers. Forty-one people who were caught as a result of the reverse sting operation elected to enroll in the drug treatment program rather than face jail time.

The idea behind the program is that if drug addicts are offered the opportunity to overcome their addiction, maybe they can be rehabilitated, which in turn would reduce the number of people who are addicted to drugs and and can reduce the number of people who commit drug-related offenses.

Alternatives to Jail Time for Drug Offenders

In some situations, criminal defendants who are accused of drug-related offenses may be able to receive a sentence that involves an alternative to jail time. One of the more common alternatives to a jail sentence is probation with mandatory drug rehabilitation. The drug treatment program is often a condition of the probation, so failure to stick to the drug rehabilitation program could be a violation of the terms of the individual’s probation.

Another alternative to jail time that may be available to first time offenders is diversion programming. This is also sometimes referred to as “drug school” and it involves receiving treatment for drug addiction, and successful completion of the program can lead to the drug charges being dropped.

Some of these alternatives to jail time are county-specific, meaning they are only available to offenders in certain counties. Additionally, these alternatives to jail time have eligibility criteria that must be satisfied in order to even be considered for these options. Some offenses may make you ineligible for alternatives to jail time.

Reach Out to a Skilled Attorney for Help

If you have been charged with a drug offense, it might be possible for you to avoid jail time. You should speak with a Will County criminal defense lawyer who has experience handling drug-related offenses. Don’t hesitate to contact our office today to learn how we can be of assistance in your case.

Source:

http://chicago.suntimes.com/news/heroin-buyers-on-chicagos-west-side-getting-help-not-handcuffs/