Salt Lake County District Attorney's Office

How do I get someone referred to Drug Court?
Have the defendant's attorney call Vicki Divine at (801) 363-7900.

Why didn’t someone get into Drug Court?
We do not take individuals with a history of domestic violence, assaults, weapons charges,or any other crimes against persons. The offender must be a legal resident of this country; be honest about his/her drug problem and about their charges; and agree to the conditions and rules of drug court.

Where can I get treatment?
There are several excellent programs in the Salt Lake Valley that Drug Court uses, including: Oddessy House, First Step House, Haven, House of Hope, and The Salvation Army.

How do I access these programs?
Call Salt Lake County Substance Abuse Services at (801) 486-2009 or call the aforementioned programs directly.

What do I do and where do I go when I’m high?
Go to Volunteers of America.

Can I get convicted when the drugs weren’t mine?
Yes. If you are knowingly holding, storing, or keeping illegal controlled substances for someone else. It is illegal to possess controlled substances (ownership is not an issue).

Can I get convicted for changing one little thing on my prescription?
Yes. If you alter a prescription for controlled substances in any way. In fact, if you lie to get a prescription for a controlled substance, you may find yourself in trouble.

What will happen to me if I get convicted of a drug charge?
You will lose your drivers license. If it is a felony (i.e. cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, mushrooms, pills) you can be sentenced to prison for up to 5 years. If you are dealing, or in a drug-free zone, the sentence could be higher—up to life in prison for dealing in a drug-free zone. Generally, but not always, on a first drug offense you would receive probation and be ordered to do treatment. Sentences increase with additional charges or noncompliance with court orders.

What is a drug-free zone?
The legislature has listed several areas that should be drug-free zones. In these areas, drug crimes can be “enhanced”. In other words, the offense becomes more serious and the sentence is longer. Drug-free zones include parks, schools, malls, recreational facilities, public parking lots, and other public places.

I wasn’t selling real drugs—am I still in trouble?
Yes, selling something and pretending it is drugs can be more dangerous than selling drugs. This is a 2nd degree felony, just the same as if it were a controlled substance. 

I only shared drugs with my friends—is that distribution?
Yes. You do not have to receive money or benefit for the drugs for it to be considered distribution.

I never touched or had any drugs, I just set my friend up with a contact person—am I in trouble?
Yes. You have arranged a distribution. You don’t need to have the drugs, it is illegal to arrange or set up a drug-buy situation.