Suffolk District Attorney Dan Conley (Photo Credit: Suffolk County District Attorney)
BOSTON (WBZ-AM) -- The Suffolk County District Attorney is launching a new pilot program aimed at helping certain nonviolent drug offenders get treatment rather than be prosecuted.
Suffolk DA Dan Conley says the "Road to Recovery" program will be launched next month in Dorchester District Court.
Under the program, police won't arrest certain low-level, nonviolent offenders for possession.
Instead, they'll issue a summons for that person to appear in court the next day.
Once in court, a judge will offer those eligible defendants a chance to enter treatment instead of facing arraignment.
If the person finishes the 3-6 month program, they won't face a criminal charge.
Conley says that will allow participants to "focus on getting clean and staying sober, instead of fighting the case or paying fines and fees."
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Mike Macklin reports