New York Daily News: Three strikes but still not out: Inside the Bronx ‘Opioid Court’ where addicts get extra swings at recovery
“Avery McNeil, the alternatives to incarceration specialist at the Bronx Defenders, a nonprofit legal organization, praised OAR for setting up a pathway that allows people to get addiction treatment without first copping to a crime that could stay on their permanent record regardless of their recovery.
“That’s really important for our clients who are facing employment, immigration and housing consequences … who cannot take upfront pleas,” she said, noting defendants can face deportation and lose their jobs or homes if they plead to charges in exchange for treatment.
McNeil would also like to expand OAR to accept defendants facing felony charges: “We want more of our clients to benefit from this program.”
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