Are you facing drug charges of any kind in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania? You stand to lose a lot if convicted and you need the help of an experienced Pennsylvania drug crime defense attorney.

Call our team of Pennsylvania drug crime attorneys for a free consultation. They serve all of Pennsylvania including Allentown, Bethlehem, Erie, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Scranton, Wilkes-Barre and York, PA.

Pennsylvania Section 17 Drug Diversion Program

Pennsylvania’s Section 17 Drug Diversion Program is named after Section 17 of Pennsylvania’s Controlled Substances, Drugs, Device and Cosmetic Act. The program is a voluntary alternative to court proceedings for drug related offenses. The program consists of a number of classes and drug dependency treatment. Drug tests are conducted randomly and a positive test can result in harsh penalties and fines. Read on to learn more about Pennsylvania’s Section 17 Drug Diversion Program. I invite you to contact my law office to discuss your drug case in confidence and to determine whether you are eligible to participate in the program.

Section 17 Drug Diversion Program Overview

Individuals who are drug-dependent and non-violent offenders can potentially serve a probation term and avoid jail time while attending the Section 17 Drug Diversion Program.

The District Attorney will make the final decision as to whether the accused is permitted to enter the drug diversion program. During the pre-trial, the DA will make an initial offer to enter into the program. Once the offer is made, the Drug Court Specialist will conduct an evaluation referred to as the Pennsylvania Client Placement Criteria drug and alcohol evaluation. The specialist will use the evaluation to make a recommendation for the accused placement in a treatment facility and level of care. In order to be placed in the program, the accused must plead guilty to the charge asserted against him/her and complete all be willing to complete the treatment requirements specified.

Pennsylvania Section 17 Drug Diversion Program Eligibility

In order to be eligible for the program, the defendant must meet the following requirements:

  1. Have no prior criminal record such as an conviction for a misdemeanor or felony
  2. Have not attended the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program
  3. Be charged with another crime simultaneously
  4. Not been convicted of any of the following crimes as a juvenile:
    1. Drug manufacture or delivery
    2. Drug possession with the intent to distribute or manufacture
    3. Possession of large quantities of a controlled substance

In addition, individuals charged with the following types of crimes are ineligible to attend the program:

  1. Unlawful distribution of a controlled substance
  2. Drug possession with the intent to manufacture or deliver
  3. Possession of large quantities of a controlled substance

Ongoing Program Participant Requirements

Participants in the diversion program must satisfy the following conditions:

  1. Complete all Section 17 Drug Diversion Program treatment requirements
  2. Attend Alcoholics Anonymous
  3. Remain drug free
  4. Comply with the house arrest schedule
  5. Maintain employment or attend school

If the accused fails to comply with the requirements of the program, he/she will be sentenced to jail and potentially face additional penalties. Once the accused completes all program requirements, he/she will be required to complete any remaining probation requirements. During probation, the accused will be required to take drug tests and attend Alcoholic Anonymous meetings. Once the accused completes his/her probation, the charge asserted against him/her will be completely dismissed and he/she will be released from serving any type of sentence.

Call A Section 17 Drug Diversion Program Attorney

I recommend you hire a knowledgeable Pennsylvania Section 17 Drug Diversion Program criminal defense attorney. Because of the serious penalties associated with drug crimes, it is important to retain an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Do not delay in seeking legal guidance and advice.