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The Florida Senate

2005 Florida Statutes

SECTION 16
Misdemeanor pretrial substance abuse education and treatment intervention program.
Section 948.16, Florida Statutes 2005

948.16  Misdemeanor pretrial substance abuse education and treatment intervention program.--

(1)  A person who is charged with a misdemeanor for possession of a controlled substance or drug paraphernalia under chapter 893, and who has not previously been convicted of a felony nor been admitted to a pretrial program, is eligible for admission into a misdemeanor pretrial substance abuse education and treatment intervention program approved by the chief judge of the circuit, for a period based on the program requirements and the treatment plan for the offender, upon motion of either party or the court's own motion, except, if the state attorney believes the facts and circumstances of the case suggest the defendant is involved in dealing and selling controlled substances, the court shall hold a preadmission hearing. If the state attorney establishes, by a preponderance of the evidence at such hearing, that the defendant was involved in dealing or selling controlled substances, the court shall deny the defendant's admission into the pretrial intervention program.

(2)  At the end of the pretrial intervention period, the court shall consider the recommendation of the treatment program and the recommendation of the state attorney as to disposition of the pending charges. The court shall determine, by written finding, whether the defendant successfully completed the pretrial intervention program.

(a)  If the court finds that the defendant has not successfully completed the pretrial intervention program, the court may order the person to continue in education and treatment or return the charges to the criminal docket for prosecution.

(b)  The court shall dismiss the charges upon finding that the defendant has successfully completed the pretrial intervention program.

(3)  Any public or private entity providing a pretrial substance abuse education and treatment program under this section shall contract with the county or appropriate governmental entity. The terms of the contract shall include, but not be limited to, the requirements established for private entities under s. 948.15(3).

History.--s. 4, ch. 2001-48.