Legal Question in Criminal Law in New Hampshire

Re: Increasing chances of alternative sentencing

There is a philosophical movement in the law, although in its infancy, away from punishment toward treatment. CA, as usual, leads the pack and has softened its approach to individual possession/use of controlled substances somewhat in favor of treatment. Your daughter's PD could get some valuable information from, for example, the San Francisco Federal Public Defender.

There is also some small progress toward treatment as opposed to punishment in the federal system, although expect some setbacks in this area if John Ashcroft is confirmed as AG.

Recovering addicts need, first and foremost, removal from the situation in which they lived as addicts, and constant support from family and friends in addition to the prescribed therapy.

The success of presenting a recovery program alternative to jail the second time around depends upon different factors being now present which weren't there the first time which permitted the relapse. Eliminating the factors which permitted the relapse, showing a new program designed to prevent relapse, and showing support and comlete compliance with therapuetic programs recommend by professionals is all you can do.

I always have an addict address the judge personally, at some length, with as much sincerity as they have available, as that is the most effective approach in my experience, after ensuring the program is as I have stated.

The best of luck to you. It's a hard job, but not too hard if you are determined.