KRS 218A.276: Drug Court in Kentucky

What Is KRS 218A.276?

KRS 218A.276 establishes drug court treatment programs as alternatives to incarceration in Kentucky. For eligible drug offenders in Lexington and Louisville, drug court can mean treatment instead of prison and a real chance at recovery.

What Drug Court Offers

Drug court provides:

Intensive substance abuse treatment
Frequent court appearances
Random drug testing
Case management and support services
Sanctions for violations short of incarceration
Rewards for compliance

Eligibility

Generally, drug court is available to:

Defendants with substance use disorders
Those charged with drug-related offenses (or non-drug crimes related to substance use)
Non-violent offenders
Those willing to commit to the program

Program Structure

Drug court typically includes:

Phase I: Intensive treatment and frequent court appearances
Phase II: Continued treatment with reduced supervision
Phase III: Maintenance and stabilization
Phase IV: Graduation preparation
Total duration: typically 18-24 months

Benefits of Completion

Charges may be dismissed
Reduced sentences
Avoided incarceration
Real recovery support
Eligible for expungement

Clark + Harris Helps Clients Access Drug Court

Drug court can change lives. Call 859-474-0001 — 24/7.

Frequently Asked Questions

How soon should I contact Clark + Harris after being charged in Kentucky?

As soon as possible. Early representation protects your rights during questioning, preserves evidence, and often leads to better outcomes. Call 859-474-0001 — we respond promptly to new inquiries.

Does Clark + Harris represent clients throughout Kentucky?

Yes. We represent clients in all 120 Kentucky counties, both state District and Circuit courts, and federal courts in the Eastern and Western Districts of Kentucky.

What happens during a free consultation with Clark + Harris?

We review the specific charges and evidence, discuss available defenses, explain the likely process in the relevant court, and give you a clear roadmap of next steps — at no cost to you.

Related Resources

If this information applied to your situation, the following Clark + Harris guides may also be helpful: