Learn About The Denton DWI & Drug Court Program

If you have been charged with a DWI or drug related offense in Denton County, Texas, you may be offered a way to avoid going to trial through the treatment program offered by the Denton County DWI/Drug Court. This program allows the offender to seek substance treatment in addition to completing common probation terms, instead of going through the traditional court process. However, it is still a good idea to approach the treatment program with the same amount of preparation and research as you would if you were going to appear in court.

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This program brings together members of the community and criminal justice professionals who work together to intervene in the lives of individuals charged with a DWI or drug related offense. Both groups work together, along with the offender, to promote recovery, behavioral changes, and a reduction in a repeat of criminal behavior.

Phases of the Program

The treatment program consists of three phases, and completion of all phases generally takes 48 to 52 months. The phases consist of different requirements, but all requirements are intended to achieve treatment for the underlying DWI or drug offense and reduce the chance of another substance related offense.

Phase I consists of the following requirements:

1. Bi-monthly attendance at Denton County DWI/Drug Court
2. Weekly meetings with probation officer
3. Submit to weekly drug and alcohol testing
4. Attend at least two 12 Step Program meetings per week. Attendance at these meetings must be documented.
5. Complete the Repeat Offender Program (this must be done before beginning IOP)
6. Begin Participation in Intensive Outpatient Program (“IOP”)
7. Attend individual counseling (as directed by probation officer and/or counselor)
8. Begin looking for a sponsor
9. Begin writing assignment of charted drinking or drug use

In order to successfully complete Phase I, the offender must develop criteria for the successful completion of the Phase. This includes consistent attendance at court, probation meetings, and 12 Step Program meetings. Additionally, the offender must obtain a temporary or permanent sponsor, write in a journal, and have no positive drug or alcohol tests.

Phase II consists of the following requirements:

1. Bi-monthly attendance at Denton County DWI/Drug Court
2. Monthly meetings with probation officer
3. Submit to bi-monthly drug and alcohol testing
4. Continue attending at least two 12 Step Program meetings per week. Attendance at these meetings must be documented.
5. Continue participation in IOP or Aftercare
6. Continue attending individual counseling (as directed by probation officer and/or counselor)
7. Obtain sponsor and begin working through steps with sponsor
8. Continue writing assignment

In order to successfully complete Phase II, the offender must develop criteria for the successful completion of the Phase. This includes continued, consistent attendance at court, probation meetings, and 12 Step Program meetings. The offender must also have consistent attendance in IOP, have a permanent sponsor, continued writing or journaling, and no positive drug or alcohol tests.

Phase III consists of the following requirements:

1. Bi-monthly attendance at Denton County DWI/Drug Court
2. Monthly meetings with probation officer
3. Submit to monthly drug and alcohol testing
4. Continue attending at least two 12 Step Program meetings per week. Attendance at these meetings must be documented.
5. Continue working steps with sponsor
6. Continue writing or journaling
7. Complete Aftercare
8. Continue individual counseling
9. Begin completing other programs:
   1. CSR
   2. GED
   3. Parenting Classes
   4. Life Skills

In order to successfully complete Phase III, the offender must develop criteria for the successful completion of the Phase. This includes continued attendance at court, 12 Step Program Meetings, and attendance or completion of IOP/Aftercare. The offender must also have a permanent sponsor, continued writing in journal, and no positive drug or alcohol tests.

Eligibility for the Program

One of the goals of the treatment program is to prevent offenders from entering the court system in the future. Because of this goal, the County will not accept any individual that does not meet all eligibility and appropriateness requirements.

To be included in the Program, the following eligibility requirements must be met:

1. Guilty plea to the underlying drug or alcohol offense
2. This is the second or third conviction for the offender
3. The offender is a Denton County resident (non-residents will be considered on case by case basis)
4. 17 years of age, or older
5. United States Citizen
6. AOD Dependence (alcohol or other drug)
7. Mood disorders (axis I nonpsychotic)

Individuals will be excluded from the program for any of the following:

1. Taking the case to trial or denial of offense
2. No prior attendance in DWI/Drug Court
3. Violation of Probation
4. Intoxicated Assault or Manslaughter (however, this will be considered on case by case basis)
5. Violent offenses (however, this will be considered on case by case basis)
6. Certain Axis II (personality and developmental disabilities)
7. AOD Abuse (alcohol or other drug)

Assessment, Referral and Intake Process

After the inclusion/exclusion process, the offender will move to the assessment phase where potential suitability for the treatment program will be reviewed. This step generally involves prosecutor determination of legal eligibility requirements and probation officer recommendations. If the offender passes this step, he or she will then be referred for clinical assessments, including alcohol or drug dependence. Finally, the probation officer will complete a risk/needs assessment for offenders placed in the program.

The offender will then be referred to the treatment program and this referral may be initiated by the prosecutor, defense attorney, or probation officer. Actual placement in the treatment program must be done by court order.

After the referral process, the offender will go through the intake process wherein the probation officer will explain all conditions of probation and rules for the treatment program and provide the offender with a treatment program folder. The offender must then sign the DWI/Drug Court Contract.

Still have questions about the Denton County DWI/Drug Court? Contact us today to find out how the Peugh Law Firm can help you.