AIC Versus Private Counseling Following a Stamford Disorderly Conduct Arrest
After a disorderly conduct arrest, there are certain conditions of release that might be issued by the judge. These conditions include things like probation, community service, but can also include mandatory counseling for substance abuse, or anger management courses. If you have been charged with disorderly conduct, you might be wondering what the benefits of AIC versus private counseling following a Stamford disorderly conduct arrest might be. Contact a skilled disorderly conduct attorney that could answer your questions and pursue a positive outcome for you.
What is AIC?
AIC is an acronym for a location called Alternative in the Community. What AIC is, is an organization that provides counseling services, both substance abuse-related, behaviorally related through counseling and therapy, as well as psychological counseling and therapy.
It is an organization that is funded by the state of Connecticut and it is one that functions within the realm of the court system. Because of that, the services are offered at no cost to the defendant. However, that also means that they can communicate and are required to communicate directly with the court and provide exactly the types of services under the requirements that are specified by the court.
Benefits and Downsides of AIC
When considering AIC versus private counseling following a Stamford disorderly conduct arrest, it is important to review the strengths and weaknesses of each option. One of the benefits of using AIC is that it comes at no cost to the defendant. Another benefit is that because AIC needs to report directly to the court, if the defendant or the arrested person does well in their counseling and in attending their counseling and therapy sessions, then the court may potentially look at the good attendance and good participation favorably.
If compiled with and done correctly, the defendant could stand to substantially benefit because it will be showing the court that they are able to follow the court’s orders, that they are engaged in the process, and that they respect what they need to do to better themselves. Because of that, the court will look favorably upon a positive report from AIC as well as the prosecuting authority.
Drawbacks of AIC
Now, the drawbacks of AIC are is that the defendant does not have control over what they need to do and where they need to be, and when they have to be there. AIC is an organization that does a lot of great work but it is limited in a sense that it cannot suit the particular needs of everyone. They have programs for things like substance abuse or behavioral therapy or counseling like anger management but they have them at particular times and at specific locations.
They may not offer times that suit the needs of the particular defendant because most of the methods of counseling and therapy are done in group settings. That means that the defendant has to basically revolve their schedule around what AIC wants them to do and they will not have any choice because it is coming from an order of the court. The other downside is the fact that AIC will be communicating and is mandated to communicate directly to the court, and they are mandated to communicate exactly what is happening without any gloss that tends to benefit the defendant.
Consequences of not Attending AIC
If the defendant does not do what they are supposed to do, does not attend sessions that they are supposed to attend, or perhaps has a drug test that shows the presence of an illicit substance, that is going to get directly reported to the court. Because any treatment that is mandated by the court with AIC becomes a condition of release, therefore, any failure to follow the prescriptions of AIC becomes a violation of one of the court’s conditions.
At that point, not only does it not look favorable for the defendant but it also potentially subjects the defendant to the potential penalties such as the court may raise that defendant’s bond and impose either an additional financial bond or a financial bond where one did not previously exist. That means that they can be incarcerated at that point. Unless and until they post the amount of financial bond, they will remain incarcerated during the pendency of the case.
Benefits and Downsides of Private Counseling
When discussing AIC versus private counseling following a Stamford disorderly conduct arrest, it is important to consider the defendant’s life and habits. With regard to private counseling, the pros of private counseling are that the defendant will have ultimate flexibility and they will also be able to get services or counseling that is more tailored to their specific needs. It is not only that it may help them more in terms of whatever the underlying issue is but they can also make it fit within their personal life or schedule.
The other thing is that the court will not have direct control over that private organization and will be getting communication from that private organization that does not go directly to the court. The defendant or the defendant’s attorney will have an opportunity to see that communication first. Now, there is no circumstance where anyone would ask nor would any of these private organizations say something that is not accurate to the court but it does give the opportunity to emphasize good points and to correct any mistakes before they are given to the court.