North Carolina Launches New Cocaine Treatment Courts: Could You Benefit?

Criminal courts are now approaching cocaine users in very different ways. While authorities may have enforced strict penalties in previous decades, they are much more likely to view this issue as an addiction problem. With this shift in mindset, you may be eligible for drug treatment programs instead of jail time. Speak with a criminal defense attorney in North Carolina to see whether you might qualify. 

Treatment Courts Continue to Emerge in North Carolina

As the Border Belt Independent notes, treatment courts continue to emerge in North Carolina. One of the newest treatment courts is now in operation in Columbus County. In  2024, Henderson County also launched its own treatment court. 

By 2025, there were 84 treatment courts throughout the Tar Heel State. This represents an almost 70% increase since 2021. These numbers are set to increase, although some counties have experienced funding challenges while trying to launch treatment programs. 

Do I Qualify for Treatment Court in North Carolina?

Treatment courts or “diversionary programs” are typically reserved for users, not dealers. If you are a first-time offender, you are also more likely to become eligible for treatment instead of jail time. The court will also consider your unique circumstances, such as your propensity for violence. If you’d like to determine whether you qualify, speak with an experienced defense attorney. 

Drug Treatment May Be More Challenging Than You Imagine

Many recovered addicts admit that “getting clean” was one of the most difficult things they have ever done. Although treatment court may seem like the “easy option” compared to jail, it could actually be much more challenging. If you fail a drug test during this process, you will lose access to this program, and you may spend the rest of your sentence behind bars. 

North Carolina Is Using Settlements from Opioid Lawsuits to Fund Drug Treatment

One of the most interesting aspects of these drug treatment courts is the fact that they are often funded by successful opioid abuse lawsuits. These class action lawsuits targeted big pharmaceutical companies that knowingly distributed highly addictive drugs to average North Carolina residents. 

This settlement money first started arriving in 2022. North Carolina immediately began using the money to fund treatment courts, and the funding will continue to flow until 2038. From now until then, the Tar Heel State will receive about $1.4 billion in settlement money. 

This money is then divided between individual counties. A single county can expect to receive many millions of dollars to fund its treatment courts. 

Can a North Carolina Cocaine Defense Attorney Help Me?

A North Carolina cocaine defense attorney may be able to help you qualify for drug treatment programs. This could be a viable strategy if you’re a first-time user and you have a legitimate substance abuse problem. It may even help you get your life back on track. However, you should always remember that you will need to plead guilty in order to qualify. Discuss your full range of options with Coastal South Law today.