I Have a Past Felony Conviction, Can I Still Participate in Drug Court?

If you or a loved one have a past felony conviction and are facing new drug-related charges, you may question whether you are eligible for Pinellas County’s Drug Court program. This voluntary court division exists to rehabilitate eligible offenders through treatment and accountability rather than strict punishment. 

However, participation depends on meeting specific criteria, and a prior felony conviction could influence your eligibility. If you want to see whether you may be eligible, you can consult with one of the top criminal defense attorneys in Clearwater with the Law Office of Marc N. Pelletier.

Drug Court Eligibility Criteria

Drug court programs are designed for non-violent offenders charged with specific drug-related crimes, such as possession of a controlled substance or paraphernalia. Eligibility for this diversion program typically requires the following:

• A current, qualifying drug offense.
• No prior history of violent crimes.
• A willingness to participate in treatment and comply with program requirements.

Participants must also be approved by the State Attorney’s Office, which reviews cases individually to determine whether diversion through drug court is appropriate, given the context of previous charges.

How a Felony Conviction Impacts Eligibility

Having a past felony conviction can complicate eligibility for drug court, but it does not automatically disqualify someone from participating, especially with advocacy from a dedicated Clearwater drug crimes attorney. The severity of the previous felony, whether the conviction is violent or non-violent, and how recent the conviction occurred can all factor into the State’s decision.

The Pinellas County drug court generally does not allow individuals with violent felony convictions to participate. Violent felonies may include offenses like aggravated assault, battery, robbery, or manslaughter. These charges are viewed as too severe to be addressed through rehabilitation alone and often disqualify individuals from being considered for drug court.

However, for non-violent felonies, such as drug possession or property-related crimes, individuals may still be considered for eligibility, especially if their conviction occurred several years ago. In these cases, the court may review whether the defendant has shown signs of rehabilitation or whether participation in drug court could benefit their recovery.

Exceptions and Case-by-Case Review

Drug Court operates on a case-by-case basis, meaning no two cases are judged identically. While general guidelines apply, the State Attorney’s Office maintains the discretion to admit individuals with prior felony convictions. In certain situations, they will likely consider factors such as:

• The length of time since the felony conviction.
• The participant’s current efforts toward recovery.
• The severity and specifics of the prior felony offense.

A skilled Clearwater criminal defense attorney with the Law Office of Marc N. Pelletier can present your case to highlight any factors that may improve your chances of acceptance into the program.

If You Think Drug Court May Be a Beneficial Option for Your Situation, Contact The Law Office of Marc N. Pelletier Today

Having a past felony conviction does not automatically bar you from participating in a drug court program. At the Law Office of Marc N. Pelletier, we understand how life-changing drug court participation can be, and our drug crimes attorneys in Clearwater are here to help advocate on your behalf. 

If you are concerned about your eligibility due to a prior felony conviction, call our office at (727) 493-9386 or contact us today for a free case consultation. We can help you explore your options and work toward a positive resolution.