A first-time offender for illegal drug possession in Nevada is often placed on probation. But if he fails to pay restitution, leaves the state without permission or skips a drug test, he could land in prison.
Then taxpayers are saddled with his expensive housing and supervision while he is denied the help he really needs. That’s why state lawmakers are considering legislation that could save millions of dollars annually by diverting eligible nonviolent criminal offenders into substance-abuse treatment.