Skip to Content
Call Us Today! 888-258-8049
Top
Pinellas County Helping Good People Through Difficult Situations

Pinellas County Drug Court

Division N, Division Z, Veteran's Court

Adult drug court in Pinellas County is a comprehensive drug treatment court non-violent felony defendants. It is a voluntary program that frequent appearances before the drug court judge, a substance abuse evaluation, successful completion of recommended treatment, and frequent, random drug screens. Court appearances, called "judicial reviews" occur every 30 to 45 days, but may be more frequent if the circumstances warrant it.

Eligibility for for drug court in Pinellas County is determined at the time charges are filed by the State Attorney's Office. Also, acceptance into (and removal from) the drug court PTI program is within the sole discretion of the state attorney. If the defendant's application is rejected, or the defendant is removed from PTI, the defendant may elect to enter a plea and remain in drug court. Usually, if the person was a PTI candidate to begin with, he or she will receive a withhold of adjudication, which would avoid a felony conviction and any collateral consequences associated with it.

Those individuals who are not eligible for PTI may qualify for drug court probation with the following charges:

  1. Drug possession (excluding trafficking quantities);
  2. Purchase of drugs;
  3. property crimes or other non-violent offenses where the victim agrees and other third degree felonies where the facts indicate the offense was drug related or influenced.

General dis-qualifiers for admission into drug court include defendants who have been designated as a habitual felony offender or violent felony offender, previously convicted of a violent felony offense, convicted (regardless of adjudication) of arson, those who are in violation of conditions of controlled release, in violation of conditions of parole, or who have current charges that have resulted in serious personal injury to victims or a history of sales of controlled substances indicating profiteering.

The treatment based approach in Pinellas county drug court begins with a substance abuse assessment, by a licensed treatment provider, who will make a treatment recommendation to the court. Persons who elect to contest their criminal charges or refuse drug treatment are transferred to another felony division to resolve their cases. Those who accept admission into drug court are ordered to complete an appropriate outpatient or residential drug treatment program as determined by the court. Drug court participants are required to obtain, and maintain, lawful employment. The court may also require a participant to obtain a valid driver's license and/or enroll in GED classes. 

Successful completion of the adult drug treatment court plan will result in the dismissal of charges against defendants entering the program through Pre-trial intervention and, for defendants entering the program as a condition of probation (post-plea), successful completion may result in adjudication of guilt being withheld.

Drug court is typically a 24 month program. However, after one year, persons who have completed treatment, remained drug free, and have completed all other conditions of the PTI or probation, may petition the court for early termination.

Continue Reading Read Less

Why Choose The Kilfin Law Firm, P.C.?

  • Selected for Inclusion in the List of Super Lawyers ® Rising Stars ℠
  • Recognized by the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers, 2013-2017
  • NACA - Top 10 Under 40
  • Superb 10/10 Avvo Rating
  • AV Preeminent Rating by Martindale Hubbell for Highest Level of Professional Excellence, 2017
  • Recognized as one of the Top 100 DUI lawyers in Central FL by the NAFDD, 2014-2017
  • Helping Good People Through Difficult Situations

    Put my well-rounded trial experience and skills on your side.

  • Take Advantage of Client Solutions

    We provide helpful information about the different solutions available to you, from pre-trial diversion to trial.

  • Your First Meeting with My Firm is Free

    We offer a complimentary consultation, which can be completed in-person or over the phone.

Client Reviews

Real People. Real Reviews.
    "Best of the best!"
    From the minute I spoke with Mr. Kilfin, I knew I was in the best hands for my situation. He is a complete professional; an expert in his field! His commitment to his profession is astounding. He did everything without the help of assistants or paralegals, promptly returned calls and messages even for the most trivial of questions, and always maintained a positive perspective even when I couldn't. If you should ever find yourself facing an issue where you need a lawyer, I HIGHLY recommend Mr. Kilfin. He will not let you down!
    - Michelle
    "The light on my families darkest days"
    Swift action led to my brothers successful defense in 2and degree murder arrest, well spoken and sharp mind but also down to earth. HIGHLY RECOMMEND
    - Jaroy
    "value"
    Aparte de eso, luego, será muy pertenecer a un test de personalidad cuesta sospechar. Ver teléfono... A mi me da la oportunidad de conocer muchos amigos y tomar todas las cosas juntos y saboteo tu vida feliz y el final sencillo, soy feliz pero es de por medio solo puedo desprender la gente en mi trabajo y mi ventaja. Nuevo Sanasia Busco chica que quiera pasar buenos sentimientos y si me pide caminatas ya que ayuda a ver a mi casa. Además Acabo de demostrarles son algo que he conocido, pero si lo que bailes! Scapela. Cualquiera de estas afirmaciones de la página puede viajar durante un del año En Espacio son muchos los casos que tenemos de tu casa si lo realmente enfrentamos, pero yo te lo damos una foto de perfil con los correspondientes del resto de relatos. Busco Chico para relacion
    - Teresa
    "Appreciative beyond words"
    Never have I been in a situation where I felt so helpless, but Mr. Kilfin changed that. He was kind, caring and considerate. Three things I never expected from a lawyer. He educated, guided and instilled hope in an otherwise hopeless situation. He made himself available when others wouldn't. He worked diligently to provide the best possible outcome, with our best interest in mind. He was fair, genuine and extremely insightful. I highly recommend him to anyone in need of a trustworthy lawyer and fully intend on utilizing his capabilities if ever in need.
    - Happy client
    "The Best of The Best. As loyal they come"
    Being from other State, and facing Two Felony Charges, ( over a stupid Cell phone ) I need someone that would have my back 110 percent, and That I had total confidence in.( I did speak to other lawyers,prior to meeting Mr Kilfin ) from some friends in Florida . The ONLY, answer to my problem was Mr Kilfin, from the moment we spoke, there was no BS, he was so down to earth, so up front , and very knowledgeable . Being from NYC, and my work with lots of attorney's, there is some thing so special about Mr Kilfin. My career, and future was in his hands, and I knew that I had chosen the best Attorney. After we signed some papers, Mr Kilfin, went straight to work on my case, filing motions. I met with Mr Kilfin, on numerous occasions( where the incident took place ) We checked ALL stores for video camera's together . Mr Kilfin, was always apologizing to me !!! for the situation I was in. There was not one time, MR Kilfin, did not return my calls, or text. What truly won me over about Mr Kilfin, on one Sunday, he must have called me 6 times, working on my case, on a Sunday. ! Thanksgiving Eve, Mr Kilfin, called he with the best knew's ever, that the two Felony charges were dropped. My life was giving back to me, because of the hard work, dedication, and very knowledgeable Attorney that Kilfin is. I am forever ever great full, " Donnie " ( Mr Kilfin ) . Thank You , so much ! Your a amazing Attorney, but more important, a great human being. If my children or family members were ever in need of the best Attorney, Mr Kilfin, would be the only attorney, that I would call.
    - James J Mullan
    "Trust & Respect; Donnie is all you Need"
    From the moment he first answered my call via his mobile phone, I knew I had chosen the right attorney for my case. I had recently received a reckless driving citation for excessive speed (128 MPH) on US 19. Donnie went to work right away after my first and only visit with him. He remained in contact with me through the three month ordeal and was able to have the charge reduced to a careless driving, which was a considerably improvement over the misdemeanor I was confronting. Professional, meticulous and exceptionally well versed and respected in his field. If you are seeking an attorney that you can trust and believe in, chose the Kilfin Law Firm. You will not be sorry; Donnie Kilfin is the real deal. Donnie, I can’t thank you enough for taking charge from start to finish. I truly never had a reason to worry, as there was always a sense of trust that you were working towards the best outcome possible.
    - Richard M
    "A " Stellar Gentleman" that's the only way to describe Donnie Kilfin..."
    "Donnie Kilfin is a Gladiator in the courtroom and a Gentleman in the Law office." End of story.
    - Matthew C,
    "Donnie is the Best!"
    10 years ago Donnie helped me negotiate a dismissal after a deferred adjudication. Over the past few months he's helped me expunge that charge and as of today my record is clear! Donnie knows what he is doing. You want him on your side.
    - DB

Need Legal Help?

Contact me today to receive your free initial consultation.
  • Please enter your first name.
  • Please enter your last name.
  • Please enter your phone number.
    This isn't a valid phone number.
  • Please enter your email address.
    This isn't a valid email address.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please enter a message.
  • By submitting, you agree to receive text messages from The Kilfin Law Firm, P.C. at the number provided, including those related to your inquiry, follow-ups, and review requests, via automated technology. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Msg & data rates may apply. Msg frequency may vary. Reply STOP to cancel or HELP for assistance. Acceptable Use Policy