Judicial Attitudes toward Drug Abuse and Alcohol Abuse: Florida

By Millie Anne Cavanaugh, Esq

Attitudes toward drug and alcohol addiction have evolved over the years in society as a whole. While addicts and users used to be seen strictly as criminals, education and outreach programs have taught us that addiction is a disease. The treatment of addicts and alcoholics in state courts has also evolved over time. Florida has lead the way in this regard, establishing the first Drug Court and, more recently, applying the Drug Court model to habitual driving under the influence (DUI) offenders. Drug crimes are the most common type of case coming before Florida’s criminal judges today. Further, roughly 60% of those arrested are either under the influence of drugs or alcohol or have committed a crime to get drugs or alcohol. … Continue Reading