Upon successful completion of a treatment program, the defendant could petition for dismissal of the drug-related charge. If the court found that the defendant successfully completed drug treatment and complied with other conditions of pro bation, the charges would be dismissed and the arrest would be erased from the defendant's record. Completion of drug treatment can also assist individuals in making clear, informed, and responsible choices regarding their personal health behaviors. These choices can lower their risk for HIV infection and other communicable diseases. Also, treatment will assist HIV-positive substance abusers to adhere to their prescribed treatment plans.
Evidence shows that drug treatment plans work.
In 1996, Arizona voters passed an ordinance similar to Proposition 36. The same study also showed that the level of criminal activity among study participants declined by two-thirds after treatment. This initiative is cost effective and will result in savings of taxpayer dollars. With a reduced number of offenders entering prison custody, the measure will also result in as many as 9,500 fewer individuals in the state parole system each year. Finally, an additional 12,000 offenders will be diverted out of county jails and into community treatment programs annually Proposition 36 would make treatment more accessible to communities of color, which have been hardest hit by drug addiction.