Diversion Programs in Tarrant County
Working to Avoid the Consequences of a Conviction
While it is important to understand the severity of the offense you are
being charged with, it is equally important that you know there are diversion
programs out there for qualifying individuals. The purpose of a diversion
program is to allow a remorseful individual to seek rehabilitation rather
than putting them in jail or prison. At the Law Office of Lisa Haines,
P.C., Ms. Haines pursues diversion programs for clients who qualify, such
as first-time offenders or those who need drug rehabilitation. Many of
the diversion programs qualify for expunction (erasing) of the arrest/change
immediately upon successful completion of the program. But expunction
must be actively sought by filing a petition after the case is closed.
The diversion programs she works with include:
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Deferred Prosecution Program: Only open to first-time offenders 17-25 years old (no juvenile arrests),
it requires a length application process, including character letters
and drug testing. If accepted and successfully completed, your case could
be expunged (erased) from all government agency records immediately upon
completion.
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Family Violence Diversion Program: Partner on Partner assault with no other pending charges or history of
protective order violations. It requires the consent of the alleged victim.
A comprehensive screening and assessment initiates the process. For those
accepted, you must commit to changing your behavior. Classes and guidance
help you make the changes so that you will not face a 3rd degree felony
charge in the future. (A second arrest for ABI-FM is filed as a 3rd degree
felony in Texas.) If successful, you would qualify to have your arrest/charge
immediately expunged.
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First Offender Drug Program: If you are a first-time drug offender with no criminal history, you may
be able to get this arrest
erased from your record upon successful completion of the program
. Drug charges include: possession of marijuana, Xanax, meth, or Rx forgery.
Intended for offenders who have the potential to correct their behavior
and be an asset to society, this program is only accessible to qualifying
individuals in special circumstances.
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Mental Health Diversion Court Program: Individuals who have been diagnosed with a mental condition prior to being
convicted of a criminal offense may qualify for this program. This program
is intended for non-violent misdemeanor and felony offenses and allows
the mentally impaired individual to seek help for their mental health
issues rather than be thrown in jail.
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Veterans Court Diversion Program: Current or veteran members of the USAF, Reserves, National Guard, or State
Guard with a diagnosis of certain mental health conditions may be able
qualify for this diversion program. This program is intended to divert
individuals out of the justice process and offer an alternative that may
offer rehabilitation rather than legal consequences.
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FAIP Program: Repeat DWI offenders can apply for this intense program. Probationers are
strictly supervised as they seek to end their addiction to alcohol. The
term of probation is shortened drastically, but FAIP requires treatment
and counseling as well as weekly compliance hearings while maintaining a job.
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DIRECT Program: The Drug Impact Rehabilitation Enhanced Comprehensive Treatment (DIRECT)
program is intended for individuals who suffer from a drug addiction problem
which has led to a previous conviction. Slightly different than diversion
programs, this program is a special type of post-plea felony probation.
Those who have already been to prison are given a chance at probation.
This program requires participation in group meetings, rehab, frequent
drug testing, and other mandatory rules. It is life-changing for those
who really want to end their addiction.
If you are interested in learning more about these programs from a Fort
Worth criminal defense attorney,
reach out to Ms. Haines today at (817) 877- 5472.