Court Advocacy
Many of the clients we serve face open criminal cases upon completion of residential treatment. Challenges such as these can become roadblocks to continued sobriety and rebuilding a life of recovery. Phoenix Rising is committed to supporting our client’s individual needs as they navigate the legal system and clear the path to their future. We are passionate about advocating for rehabilitation over incarceration in drug and alcohol related cases in order to support recovery and enhance physical, mental, and spiritual wellness.
The client’s success in making and meeting goals while remaining sober enables our court advocates to build strong case files that serve as proof to the court that the client is voluntarily engaged in recovery and rebuilding their lives. It is Phoenix Rising’s goal to prove to the court that in most drug and alcohol-related cases rehabilitation over incarceration is the most beneficial alternative sentence for all parties involved.
“I was a meth addict for 16 years and last year I ran up quite a few charges and was looking at 2- 3 years in prison. I found Phoenix Rising and was desperate to do whatever it took to stay out of prison. Anthony was straight forward, non-judgmental and a good man and he not only guided me to sobriety and recovery, but the courts took notice and the judge suspended my sentence, due to the recovery program I was involved with. I have a long way to go and many obstacles to navigate through, yet I feel new and I got the chance to start my life over and Anthony helped to make that a reality.”
— Andrew
Components of Court Advocacy Services
Weekly 1×1 sessions
During these sessions our clients meet with an assigned court advocate to ensure that they are meeting all of his or her master needs. Master needs can include securing employment, enrolling in school, attending meetings, therapy sessions, and doctor appointments. Each session is documented in a detailed progress report. These reports serve as proof of continued compliance and rehabilitation.
Weekly Drug & Alcohol Testing
Observable UA’s provide proof of ongoing recovery for pending court cases, motivate the client toward recovery, and facilitates building trust between the advocate and the client.
Documentation of Rehabilitation Work
Our advocates document each step of our client’s recovery from the moment they go into treatment until the case is resolved. This creates a timeline of recovery and provides valuable information for the Judge and DA to consider. The timeline of extended recovery offers evidence to the court of ongoing rehabilitation and can many times discourage incarceration.
Collaboration with Legal Team
Collaborating with the client’s legal team creates an opportunity to seek continuances in order to create longer rehabilitation timelines, keep the family apprised of the status of the court case, and keeps the client hopeful and motivated for continued recovery. When necessary, we connect families and clients to the appropriate legal counsel. This is determined by the specific strengths of the lawyer and the criminal charges the client is facing.
Monthly Court Representation
Our court advocates play two very important roles; supporting the client at each court hearing and, when called upon, presenting the client’s recovery program to the Judge. At the time of sentencing our court advocates are usually called upon to testify on the client’s behalf and provide proof that rehabilitation has been successful.
