New York residents may be interested to learn that comedian Artie Lange will not face jail time for his recent heroin possession charges. On June 1, he received a sentence of four years of probation. In addition to probation, he will be required to complete 50 hours of community service. Additional stipulations require that he seek outpatient rehabilitation treatment in a recovery program.
In December 2017, Lange pleaded guilty to one count of third-degree possession for a controlled substance. There were also cocaine possession charges that were dismissed in lieu of a guilty plead for the other offense. Lange admitted to having 81 decks of heroin. The embattled comedian has a history of drug addiction.
The charges stem from a routine traffic stop that occurred on Garden State Parkway in May 2017. Police pulled over his Range Rover after spotting him driving erratically. During the stop, the police found a bag of heroin sitting on his lap. He was subsequently charged with possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia.
Lange was content with the terms of his sentencing, noting that the judge had been “fair” and “patient” with him. The sentencing approach permits treatment in an outpatient program while he continues working. The alternative option would have been mandatory long-term treatment in an inpatient care facility.
An attorney could be helpful in advocating the needs of an alleged drug offender. For example, legal counsel could strive to reduce charges by challenging many aspects of the prosecution’s case.
