Landon Hacker knows what it's like to feel hopeless and "stuck in the system" while facing drug charges and battling addiction. His deeply personal story of working his way from Drug Court participant to JD candidate at Rutgers Law School appears in this month's edition of New Jersey Lawyer. It is a must-read for any lawyer looking to gain insight into their drug case clients and the system they try to navigate.
Hacker is a shining example of the best outcome of Drug Court – what New Jersey Judge Timothy Lydon calls “an inspirational program.” However, its structure can present challenges for people struggling with addiction. Knowing the barriers facing clients and their legal and addiction treatment options will help New Jersey lawyers provide the best strategy and service.
In the NJSBA’s February issue, we examine these options. Among them is Drug Court, an alternative to incarceration for defendants facing drug charges. The program provides rigid structure while focusing on supporting its participants in overcoming addiction. Drug Court graduates can get an expungement of their criminal records. It's one of many significant tools for reform.
In this special Drug Court issue, we hear from a wide range of people with experience working with those with drug addiction. This includes lawyers, judges, prosecutors and people with experience battling addiction. Most powerful is the individual tales of those trying to overcome drug addiction, and how the structure of the legal system impacts their journeys. NJSBA members can access a digital copy of New Jersey Lawyer by logging in at njsba.com and clicking on New Jersey Lawyer under the members tab.