While the President of the United States recently declared the country's opioid epidemic a public health emergency, many in Nebraska and other states continue to struggle with the difficulties associated with serious drug addiction. These difficulties include the toll on a person's physical and emotional health but extend to their friends and families as well. When people are thrown into jails or prisons rather that given help for this disease, many people end up suffering.
According to the Nebraska Department of Corrections, of the nearly 53,000 people in the state's jails or prisons, more than 13 percent are there for drug crime offenses. Even more are sentenced to time for offenses in which drugs may have been a factor or the root cause such as theft. The Lancaster County Public Defender is on record saying that he supports drug diversion programs as these would offer treatment and help for people to truly combat their illness rather than simply punishing them for breaking a law.
One man recently had his parole revoked and was sentenced to a new five-year prison term after he relapsed with a drug addiction. The defendant was found by officers in a parking lot with drug substances in his vehicle as well as a knife. It is not known what made officers first even approach the man's vehicle.
Anyone in Nebraska who is facing drug charges may find talking with a lawyer a helpful way of learning their options in these situations.
Source: Lincoln Journal Star, "Lincoln woman says her husband has a disease, shouldn't be in prison," Lori Pilger, October 23, 2017