Misdemeanor defendants must plead guilty on joining the Rockland County program. Felony charges sometimes are reduced to misdemeanors. Otherwise, felony defendants are asked to allocute to the facts of their offense. If they are bounced from the program, their words can be used against them in court. If they continue to behave, the charge is ultimately wiped from their records.
Participation is voluntary.
Relapses Common Like many participants, Steven Taylor bolted from the treatment to which he had been assigned but asked to remain in the program. Such relapses, which are not unusual for recovering addicts, trigger sanctions such as jail time, with or without community service. Judge Apotheker asked one defendant who had enjoyed a spell of jail time. Those who fail can receive more jail time than they would have in regular court for the crimes for which they are charged. At some level, these people are going to have to want to help themselves.