New program offers second chance to some drug offenders
New program offers second chance to some drug offenders
Post- Plea Deferral initial aims to break the cycle
United States Attorney LITTLE ROCK—Christopher R. Thyer, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announces a Post-Plea Deferral Program (PPDP) jointly developed by the United States Attorney’s Office, the United States Probation Office and the Federal Public Defender’s office. The goals of the PPDP are to promote community safety, break the cycle of drug addiction-induced crime, and increase the likelihood of successful rehabilitation of drug offenders by implementing a blend of treatment, supervision, appropriate sanctions, and incentives.
On Monday, June 6, 2016, Jeremy Johnson became the first person accepted into the Eastern District of Arkansas’ PPDP. Johnson pleaded guilty to obtaining a Schedule II controlled substance by fraudulent prescription, which carries up to a four-year prison sentence. However, as Johnson is a participant in the PPDP, United States District Court Judge James M. Moody, Jr., deferred acceptance of the plea for a period of 18 months, during which time Johnson must abide by the conditions and requirements of the PPDP. If he successfully completes his program, the United States Attorney will dismiss his charges.
“My office is pleased to participate in this rehabilitative alternative to felony conviction, designed for those who deserve such a break,” Thyer said. “The PPDP program is limited in scope, providing individuals with no prior criminal history, or very minor criminal history, whose criminal conduct was motivated primarily by drug addiction, to accept their criminal conduct and prove their rehabilitation over a period of months. Upon successful completion, the individual will have the opportunity to move forward leading a drug-free life without having received a felony record.”
The PPDP is a new program designed to give a limited number of offenders charged with minor drug-related offenses who have little or no criminal history and whose illegal conduct was the direct result of an addiction to drugs the opportunity to resolve their federal charges without a felony conviction. This opportunity is available provided they successfully complete an intensive supervision program and show that they are positively contributing to the community through employment and education.
“The program provides defendants, whose criminal activity is directly related to addiction, an opportunity to break the cycle of drug-induced criminal behavior,” Chief U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services Officer Eddie Towe said. “One powerful incentive is the chance to avoid a custody sentence and a federal criminal conviction. The parties will use a collaborative approach to recommend responses to violations in an expeditious and consistent manner while also providing encouragement and guidance.
From Christopher R. Thyer
