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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Nov 2012
    Posts
    2

    Default Treatment Options and a Probation Violation

    My question involves criminal law for the state of: Washington

    First off I just want to say this forum is awesome and full of good info. I wish I would have discovered it sooner. That being said I have run into a few minor issues with probation and treatment. Any feedback would be helpful.

    I'm on probation for an alcohol related reckless driving. I've completed my intensive out patient program and am in continuing care until February or March. I'm about 12 AA meetings behind schedule. I'm required to go to two AA meetings a week and have been behind for 2-3 months. So I got a violation, my second (first was a dirty UA for alcohol months ago), and I have a court date on Friday. First question is, do I get a public defender for such a small violation, or should I try it on my own and try to reason with the judge? I don't have money for a lawyer.

    The main reason I posted was because of my treatment agency. They said I need to get my AA meetings up to date by November 30 or it will be "grounds for staffing", whatever the hell that means. I'm guessing they will try to extend my treatment. I don't want to do that, I just want to get on with my life. So my main question is what are my options? If they tell me they're going to extend my treatment, I want to be able to fire back and tell them I'm taking my business elsewhere. But am I allowed to do that? Can I switch treatment agencies in the middle of treatment because I'm sick of dealing with a particular agency?

    Any insight would be a great help. Thanks.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
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    Behind a Desk
    Posts
    98,846

    Default Re: Treatment Options and a Probation Violation

    The view from the bench (where the judge sits) may look a lot like this: You're an alcoholic, aren't making an appreciable effort to achieve or sustain sobriety, are on probation, and are unable to refrain from consuming alcohol. If it were me, I would want a lawyer.

    You can ask your treatment agency what its policies are - whether they're talking about extending the program or kicking you out as noncompliant.

    As long as you let alcohol control your life, you're not going to have control of your life. Get a sponsor, do "90 in 90", work the steps, do your therapy... whatever it takes.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Nov 2012
    Posts
    2

    Default Re: Treatment Options and a Probation Violation

    And who are you? You don't know me so who are you to judge? I don't believe there is enough info on my original post for you to make the assumptions you've made. I've made a few mistakes and I'm dealing with the consequences, but I don't "let alcohol control my life". What are you basing that on? Are you one of those people that thinks anyone with a alcohol related offense is automatically an alcoholic? I asked for some legal advice, not a life lesson from some wannabe lawyer with 60.000 posts on this forum. It looks like Mr. Knowitall doesn't know his ass from a hole in the ground because if I would have taken your advice it would have been a total waste of time and money. So here's some advice for you. You're never going to have a life if you spend all day on these forums. Live a little.

    FYI, I went to court and plead guilty to the violation. My PO said I'm doing everything I need to be doing, and that my AA situation is manageable. She recommended that I go to three AA's a week instead of two, until I'm caught up. I agreed, and that was that. I think that's what they call a "slap on the wrist".

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jul 2010
    Posts
    8,006

    Default Re: Treatment Options and a Probation Violation

    Don't get your knickers in a twist junior. He was simply telling you how a judge was likely to view your behavior.

    The fact you got a dirty UA shows alcohol has more control than you think it does, since anyone with an ounce of self-control would stay away from what they are supposed to stay away from while on probation.

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