Pubdate: Sun, 01 Jul 2007 Source: Charlotte Observer (NC) Copyright: 2007 The Charlotte Observer Contact: http://www.charlotte.com/mld/observer/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/78 Author: Warren Bolton, The State Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/coke.htm (Cocaine) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment) I'm glad indicted S.C. Treasurer Thomas Ravenel is seeking treatment for what appears to be a drug problem. I wish the many poor people in similar positions could get the same opportunity. But, unlike Ravenel, many accused of a drug violation can't pick up and go to an expensive treatment center in Arizona, where the average price for a week's stay is $8,000. Many can't afford some of the places right here that are more than capable of treating addictions. There's a chance Ravenel's decision to enter treatment could gain him leniency. Columbia defense attorney Dick Harpootlian said in The State on Wednesday that if Ravenel, who has no previous drug record, is found guilty and can convince a judge he is serious about treatment, the judge might sentence him to probation with no prison time. That's a routine outcome in cases involving a first-offender, depending on the case, Harpootlian said. Ravenel, indicted on cocaine conspiracy and distribution charges, shouldn't be locked up. And neither should thousands of others brought up on nonviolent drug charges whose real problem is being addicted. Requiring people to serve time behind bars for nonviolent drug crimes is bad policy. They need treatment. That's the way it should be regardless of your status in life. Unfortunately the poor, so often black boys and men, don't get the same break a man like Ravenel can afford. Warren Bolton is an associate editor at The State, a Columbia NC newspaper. - --- MAP posted-by: Steve Heath