For inmates with drug and alcohol problems, incarceration may seem like a never-ending cycle that can’t be broken. Fortunately, for those federal inmates with documented substance abuse issues who wish to get better, there is the Residential Drug Abuse Program. Here’s everything you need to know about RDAP – the residential drug treatment program for those in federal prison.

What is the RDAP?

The Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP) is an intensive nine-month, 500-hour rehabilitation program for those with substance abuse issues. Administered by the United States Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), the program is available for federal prisoners who qualify and voluntarily enroll in the program. Upon the successful completion of the program, inmates are eligible for a 12-month reduction in their sentence and the possibility of six months in a halfway house, depending on the circumstances of their particular case.

Qualifying for RDAP

RDAP is not available for those who are high-security prisoners, as well as those convicted of violent or sexual crimes. Felony or misdemeanor convictions for homicide, rape, aggravated assault, robbery and child sexual abuse also make prisoners ineligible.

In order to qualify for RDAP, an individual must be a federal prisoner (state and county prisoners are ineligible) and have verifiable alcohol or drug problem (either narcotic or prescription). This substance abuse problem is determined by RDAP staff at the institution. In addition, the substance abuse problem must have been documented in pre-sentencing investigative reports. Recommendations from judicial bodies can also help inmates gain admission to the program.

Inmates must also pass a formal clinical review, conducted by a Drug Abuse Program coordinator, in order to prove that they meet the psychological diagnostic criteria for the program and to show that the inmate does not have any mental illnesses or disorders which could interfere with the program.

Meeting RDAP Criteria

Because many pre-sentencing reports inadequately document substance abuse problems, inmates who wish to qualify for RDAP should assist their process by asking previous treatment providers and probation officers for documentation which verifies their drug or alcohol problems. This should include diagnostic and treatment information from within one-year prior to the current prison sentence.

Contact an Experienced Attorney Today

Because of the large number of disqualifiers associated with admittance to the RDAP program, and because the program is in such high demand, it is essential that you consult with an experienced and knowledgeable South Florida attorney when applying.  Choose an attorney with a demonstrable history of successfully helping inmates gain access to RDAP and the life-saving help it offers.

Chad Piotrowski has an extensive background in aggressively defending his clients from charges ranging from marijuana possession to armed drug trafficking and murder. A former prosecutor in Miami-Dade County, Chad Piotrowski has the unique ability to anticipate prosecution strategies to help build a solid defense to help obtain the best possible outcome for his clients.

If you are looking for an experienced and passionate legal defense lawyer who will relentlessly fight for you, call Piotrowski Law today at 305-204-5000 for your free consultation.