James Taylor has seen both "Fire and Rain" in his lifetime. The famous singer-songwriter had an early career marked by drug addiction and depression. It was only after rehab, did the mild mannered soloist catch his stride.
Once recovered from his addiction to heroin and methedrine, Taylor recorded the ever memorable "Sweet Baby James" album which reached Number three on the US Billboard Top 10 Album Chart in 1970. The musician went on to meteoric success with such classic hits as "You've got a friend," Mockingbird," "How Sweet it is (To be Loved By You)," and "Handy Man."
Taylor's warm acoustic guitar style incorporates guitar fret board techniques known as "hammer ons" and "pull off's. These have livened up chord progressions and allowed legion of fans to quickly identify his new songs on the radio. The "tunesmith" was blessed with a milk and honey voice that compliments his laid back style. His quiet demeanor and unpretentious nature draws a sharp contrast to most pop cuture icons. For all of his unassuming qualities, he has been rewarded with a 45 year career and loyal following that still fills concert venues.
In 2000, James Taylor was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. However, recently he made a special appearance in Pinellas County's Drug Court. It wasn't because he had fallen off of the wagon or that he had been arrested for drug possession. Taylor was there to support his backup singer, Valerie Carter who had avoided conviction on felony drug charges by successfully completing the drug court program. Taylor was also present to speak to the rest of the graduating class about what he referred to as "the disease of addiction." He reassured those facing criminal charges that recovery opens up "a whole new life." Characteristic of the singer's humble ways, Taylor openly acknowledged to those in attendance that he was still participating in a twelve step program. In the end, he praised the drug court graduates, saying "they inspired him.'
Judge Deanna Farnell, has presided over Pinellas County's highly successful Drug Court for the past five years. The lawyers in our office can attest to her firm yet caring style. She is known to leave the confines of her bench and casually walk among the drug court participants in the courtroom - quickly recognizing and addressing individuals by their first names.
Unlike regular courtroom divisions, participants in drug court avoid convictions and often set themselves up to have their records sealed or expunged. But to earn this outcome, they will be required to attend regular "Judicial Status Check" hearings where their counseling efforts and urinalysis results will be up for review by the judge. The practice employs an element of accountability. Temptations to re-engage in the use of illegal drugs or violate the law are met with silent reminders that they will have to face Farnell's regular review.
But participation in the program is not accusatory or indicative of a modern day inquisition. Nor is it mind-numbing like a traffic safety course taken to avoid points on your driving record. To the contrary, the judge employs a variety of demonstrative aides and often relates entertaining stories. These "life lessons" help give participants the tools to better recognize potential scenarios that could cause them trouble and how to avoid them. Judge Farnell also employs a "carrot on the stick" approach...giving defendant's the opportunity to shorten the time they spend on probation by getting their GED, participating in organized 5K races, or kicking a long time smoking habit. See: Early Termination of Probation
If you have been arrested in the St. Petersburg, Clearwater area for a drug related offense, that involves marijuana, drug paraphernalia, controlled substance possession, doctor shopping, or Obtaining a controlled substance by fraud speak to us about your options. We can explain the benefits of having the charge dismissed through participation in the PTI "Diversion" program or how a withhold of adjudication can avoid a formal felony or misdemeanor conviction. The lawyers in our office regularly appear in Drug Court. Call us for a free consultation. Have an experienced Pinellas county criminal defense attorney answer your questions.
Arrested for a Drug Related Charge? Scheduled for Drug Court?
We can help!
Free consultation: (727) 578-0303
Visit our DUI website: www.duistpetersburglawyer.com
Visit our Criminal Defense website: www.defensehelp.com
Related Links:
Farnell: A Choice - Better Health Habits or Jail
Say "No to Drugs" Race in Clearwater
Outstanding Pinellas County Warrants
First Time Pinellas Drug Offender
Learn About Florida's Prescription Drug Database
Pinellas County Juvenile Offenses
Who is the Pinellas Judge Assigned to my Case?
The Right Criminal Attorney for Your St. Petersburg / Clearwater Case
