Diversion programs or alternative sentencing may be available to first-time drug offenders. For example, drug court allows a person to go into a sanction-based treatment program to help them recover. However, if a defendant is granted this avenue but subsequently misses a meeting or a drug test—or they fail a drug test—there would be a penalty. If they successfully complete the program, however, their misdemeanor charge may be dismissed, or a felony charge may be reduced to a misdemeanor.