Addiction, Crime and Recovery

The relationship between alcohol and drug abuse, on the one hand, and crime, on the other, is nothing short of astounding. According to these statistics from the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, you could safely conclude that substance abuse is a factor in well over 50% of arrests and incarceration in the United States.

As criminal defense attorneys, we are often called upon to help guide some of our clients to treatment for addiction. And the issues we face include how to locate a reputable organization – one with an effective program to help those in trouble with drugs and/or alcohol. At David P. Shapiro Criminal Defense Attorneys, when we are asked to help someone charged with a crime, and that person has a substance abuse problem, we turn to the professionals for guidance on finding a solution – professionals like Nick Ranton, Treatment Care Advocate and the SoCal representative at Recovery Ways, a leading addiction and mental health treatment center. Nick’s suggestion, for those seeking a solution, is to take a hard look at the many possible choices, but to be very careful when you do. Nick tells us:

“In a day and age when everyone has a beautifully curated website, and Google places ads and listings based on how much is paid, not relevance to your search — it’s vital to form personal and professional relationships. Do not, I repeat DO NOT rely on internet searches for anything of consequence. Find a source within the field of interest whom you can trust, and who will gladly take your call.”

Nick, who can be reached at nranton@recoveryways.com, has simple but effective advice for those who are asked to make a referral to a treatment center or program:

“I urge you to connect with one quality treatment contact in your area. If you haven’t had to make a referral, the time may come. Make sure you have a single point of contact . . . It’s my job to make myself available as that resource to you, so that those needing treatment can get quality care.”

If you are facing a criminal charge and believe you may have a problem with drugs or alcohol, talk to the attorneys at our firm not only about your defense, but also about getting the help you need to end the cycle of addiction.

Author Bio

David P. Shapiro

David P. Shapiro, the managing partner and founder of a leading San Diego criminal defense firm, is driven by an unwavering commitment to providing the best possible representation to his clients facing criminal charges. With a deep understanding of the fear, uncertainty, and concern for one’s future that his clients experience, David approaches each case with empathy and dedication, advocating tirelessly for their rights and freedoms.

Focused on complex and high-stakes cases, David handles a wide range of serious charges, including felonies, violent crimes, sex crimes, drug offenses, and white-collar crimes. Since establishing his practice in 2010, David has earned a reputation as one of San Diego’s most respected criminal defense attorneys.

His firm has been recognized by LawFirm500 as one of the nation’s fastest-growing law firms and was a 2022 Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Ethics Winner. The San Diego Business Journal named David’s firm the 17th Fastest Growing Private Company in San Diego from 2019-2021 and recognized David as one of San Diego’s 500 Most Influential People in 2022. With a strong dedication to his clients and community, David continues to be a driving force in the San Diego legal landscape.

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