The St. Louis Post-Dispatch recently did a feature on Southwestern Illinois Correctional Center, a unique prison designed specifically to help offenders who are incarcerated and battling drug addiction. As the article details, sometimes prison is the wakeup call that addicts need to get their lives straight.
The prison opened in 1995 and currently houses about 670 inmates. This prison is different from others in numerous ways but mainly in that the administration seeks to keep it a therapeutic atmosphere rather than one of handcuffs and prison bars.
Drug addiction poses a whole host of unique problems for the criminal justice system in general. A law abiding citizen can act out of character when they are infected with addiction. From thefts to assaults and other more serious offenses—drugs can lead people to do things they wouldn’t normally consider.
For many addicts, this particular prison is their last hope. It involves intense mandatory treatment every day. In addition, inmates are given strict release plans, detailing every action they must take upon their release. Unfortunately, it isn’t enough for some addicts.
When you are addicted to a serious drug like meth or crack, an arrest is often just the thing to shake your mind out of the addiction for a moment of clarity. Perhaps you are facing charges and have come to the realization that you need help with a drug problem.
There are many programs available in the state of Illinois, some of them connected with the courts. Prosecutors are often willing to make plea agreements when a defendant is committed to kicking a drug habit. Whether you are facing drug charges or any other criminal charge related to your addiction, I may be able to help.
The first step in finding out what resources are available to you is calling me. We can discuss your criminal charges and how we can best handle your case.
Contact me today for a free consultation.