Washington’s Drug Offender Sentencing Alternative (DOSA) provides eligible individuals convicted of drug-related offenses with an opportunity for treatment instead of lengthy incarceration. The program aims to reduce recidivism by addressing substance abuse issues through structured rehabilitation. DOSA has two primary forms: prison-based DOSA and residential DOSA. The below focuses on residential DOSA, which is a sentencing alternative designed to provide intensive treatment in a community-based setting. Please contact a skilled Washington criminal defense attorney now if you’ve been charged with any type of drug crime.

What is Residential DOSA?

Residential DOSA is a sentencing option that allows certain non-violent drug offenders to receive treatment in a residential facility rather than serving a traditional prison sentence. The goal is to rehabilitate offenders by providing them with structured addiction treatment and support services, ultimately reducing the likelihood of reoffending.

Eligibility for Residential DOSA

To qualify for residential DOSA, a defendant must meet the following criteria:

  • The conviction must be for a drug-related offense,
  • The individual must not have a violent criminal history,
  • The sentencing range must be more than one year but less than six years, and
  • The person must be assessed as having a substance use disorder that requires treatment.

How Residential DOSA Works

If a judge grants a residential DOSA sentence, the individual will:

  1. Complete an evaluation – The court orders an assessment to determine the appropriate level of treatment.
  2. Enter a Certified Treatment Program – The individual must participate in an approved residential substance abuse treatment program, typically lasting three to six months.
  3. Serve community custody – After completing residential treatment, the individual is placed under community custody (supervised probation) for the remainder of their sentence, requiring compliance with treatment and supervision conditions.
  4. Undergo regular monitoring – Participants must comply with random drug testing, check-ins with community corrections officers, and continued outpatient treatment as needed.

Benefits of Residential DOSA

The following are the main benefits of Residential DOSA:

  • Reduction in prison overcrowding – By diverting eligible offenders from the prison system, DOSA helps manage incarceration rates.
  • Focus on underlying addiction issues – Treatment-focused sentencing helps individuals overcome substance abuse problems, reducing future criminal behavior.
  • Encouraging rehabilitation over punishment – Providing structured support increases the chances of long-term recovery and reintegration into society.
  • Potential sentence reduction – Successful completion of the program may allow individuals to serve a reduced sentence compared to traditional incarceration.

Contact Black & Askerov for Help

While a defendant can raise a legal defense to challenge a drug charge, it will take a skilled criminal defense attorney to raise the best defense. The experienced criminal defense attorneys at Black & Askerov have over 30 years of combined experience defending clients on a wide variety of controlled substance charges. Our Seattle criminal defense lawyers also have the skill and commitment that makes all the difference in these cases. Contact us now to get the legal help you deserve!