If you follow our blog, then you’ve noticed we are buzzing about Drug Education School (DES). The DES is a new service we are excited to offer, and we’re doing our best to shout our excitement from the rooftops. It’s more than just a new service; it’s a tool through which we can enact positive change in our local community. It’s a tool with a goal that speaks to the principles we uphold. The goal of Drug Education School is multi-faceted, and we’d like to share a peek at this gem.
A Second Chance
One of the biggest goals of DES is to offer a second chance. The legal statute behind Drug Education School is called G.S. 9096, and it allows the court to offer first-time offenders with drug-related charges a second chance. After completing a 15-hour education course, they can qualify for a record expunction, which will effectively reset the clock, giving the defendant a second chance at a clean record.
It’s important to understand this chance isn’t offered to every first-time offender. The court chooses who is offered the benefit of the statute. Once chosen, it’s up to the defendant to follow through by meeting all mandated requirements, which are set forth by the court.
An Educated Local Community
We have offices in both Concord and Charlotte. We opened our second location in University City, Charlotte because it allowed us to better serve more people throughout Mecklenburg and Cabarrus countries. Our goal has always been to work toward a better tomorrow, actively educate our local community about drugs and alcohol, and help those in need.
According to The North Carolina Court System, Mecklenburg County – District 26, the court uses five common programs in misdemeanor and traffic cases. Those five programs include:
- Defensive Driving School
- Drug Education School (for alcohol or marijuana offenses)
- Deferred Prosecution
- Worthless Check Program
- Dispute Settlement Program
If you qualify for the Drug Education School program, you’ll be given information about the program and recommended providers at the courthouse. It is imperative to recognize the importance of choosing a qualified provider. For instance, in Mecklenburg county there are just two facilities (Absolute Advocacy, and Mcleod Center) that are authorized by the state of North Carolina to conduct drug education classes.
The Need for a Qualified Provider
A quick Google search for “drug education school charlotte nc” will produce some results, ranging from legit to questionable, and not all of which are approved, qualified providers per legal standards. If you were to complete a so-called drug education class with an unapproved or unqualified provider, the results could be disastrous. You could lose the second chance opportunity and see your first-time mistake as a permanent black mark on your record.
Confirming a Providers Legitimacy
Confirming the legitimacy of a Drug Education School provider is crucial. The good news is you have all the tools necessary to do so. A qualified provider will:
- Be Well Known: This means the local community will know exactly who they are and what they do. Their reputation will go well beyond Google. Additionally, the court system should be able to confirm the approved provider of Drug Education School in their county.
- Have Proper Credentials: In order for a service provider to legally be able to provide DES services, they must be approved by the state. In addition, they must be approved by a specific county. For example, in our case, we are the approved DES provider for Cabarrus and Mecklenburg counties. Thanks to our dual locations, we are able to offer our services at both our Concord and Charlotte locations. A DES provider should never be unable to prove their legitimacy should you inquire. Below is a list of all the legally approved DES providers in the state of North Carolina. If a provider is not on this list then they are operating illegally.
A Better Tomorrow
The Drug Education School program has been in effect since the early 1970s. It has become a tool allowing first-time offenders a chance to turn their lives around and make better future decisions. It’s a breath of fresh air in a judicial system that used to focus more heavily on incarceration over treatment and education.
Drug Education School gives providers like us the ability to better assist those starting down a dangerous path involving alcohol and drugs. One of the reasons we’re so excited about our new service is because it offers yet another tool to strive for a better tomorrow is our local community.
We are equipped to assist people in need of DES services throughout Concord and Charlotte. Our dual locations make us a unique provider because we are convenient to those living in multiple locations. For example, our University City office is convenient for residents of Charlotte, South Park, and the University Area. Our Concord office is convenient for residents of Concord, Kannapolis, Salisbury, Mooresville, and even Huntersville. We are uniquely equipped to aid a huge range of individuals from Charlotte and the surrounding area, and we’re immensely qualified.
Find Out More Today
From facing the aftermath of a DWI to recovering from an alcohol or substance abuse addiction, Absolute Advocacy is a highly qualified and convenient provider for residents of Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, and neighboring counties. We encourage you to discover more about our encompassing DWI and substance abuse services, to follow our blog for news, updates, and useful information about addiction and treatment, and to contact us with your specific needs.
One of the hardest things we can ever do is ask for help. Sometimes it takes landing in legal trouble before we admit to needing help and muster the gumption to ask for it. Regardless of whether you are facing a legal issue or simply feeling the need to ask for help battling drugs or alcohol, we are here to aid those in our local community and beyond. Do not hesitate to contact us today via phone or the Internet.