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Substance Abuse Experts can help with DUI / DWI cases, drug cases, domestic violence cases and other criminal cases in California.

A reputable Substance Abuse Expert can be an invaluable addition to the criminal defense team in California DUI / DWI, drug, and domestic violence cases. The expert's level of participation depends on many factors, including the nature of the offense and the facts of the case. An experienced defense lawyer from the Kavinoky Law Firm can answer any questions about the role of a certified Substance Abuse Expert in a California drunk driving, controlled substance or domestic abuse case during a free consultation.

A Substance Abuse Expert has the skills and knowledge needed to thoroughly evaluate the accused offender to determine whether he or she has issues with alcohol or drugs. The expert can recommend a treatment program tailored to the particular needs of the offender, and make a recommendation to the court about an appropriate rehabilitation program. This input may be essential to the defense in helping the accused individual avoid jail time.

At minimum, the Substance Abuse Expert will evaluate the defendant over the phone and in person and provide a letter to the court detailing those findings. During the interview, the expert will ask questions about the defendant's prior alcohol and drug use and the circumstances that led up to the alleged offense. The expert's report to the court will outline a proposed course of treatment designed to keep the defendant out of jail whenever possible.

Some cases require greater involvement on the part of the Substance Abuse Expert. In cases requiring greater participation, the expert will conduct the assessment and report the results, and also make a court appearance to deliver those findings. In many cases, the expert won't be required to testify.

However, in some California criminal cases, the expert's testimony is essential to a strategic defense plan. The expert will be called to the stand to answer questions posed by the defense that will further illuminate the accused individual's situation and demonstrate to the court that both the accused and society would benefit if the individual is sent to treatment rather than jail.

The expert's greatest involvement in a California DUI / DWI, drug, or DV case comes when the defendant would benefit from the input of a licensed psychiatrist or psychotherapist. This level of involvement is common in cases where the defendant may have a dual diagnosis or other mental-health concerns. In cases such as these, both the expert and a mental-health professional will evaluate the defendant, report their findings, and testify in court if needed.

The value of a reputable Substance Abuse Expert's input in a California driving under the influence, drug, or D.V. case cannot be emphasized enough. Often, the expert's input can mean the difference between treatment and jail when capitalized by a savvy criminal defense attorney. The skilled defense lawyers at the Kavinoky Law Firm work with the top Substance Abuse Experts in California, and understand how to integrate the expert's participation into a winning defense strategy. An experienced attorney can answer any questions about the role of a Substance Abuse Expert in a California criminal case during a free consultation.