Dallas County Diversion Program Lawyer
Diversion: A Pathway to Dismissals in Dallas County Criminal Cases
In Dallas County, you can be guilty of a crime, but still have your case dismissed. This is possible with pre-trial diversion programs. Diversion programs focus on rehabilitating individuals, rather than punishment. Dallas County has several diversion programs, but they are not for everyone.
First, diversion programs are meant for individuals who are guilty of the offense for which they are charged. So, if you believe you are not guilty of an offense, your attorney will advise you on how to best contest your guilt and not advise you to apply for pre-trial diversion.
Second, diversion programs can be hard to get into and are only available to individuals who are motivated to change. In this article, we will give an overview of Dallas County diversion programs and explain why a diversion program could be a great option for first-time offenders who are willing to make a positive, productive change in their lives.
What is a Diversion Program?
True diversion programs are exactly that – they divert or redirect individuals who have been arrested to a different, and hopefully, more productive and positive path. Most diversion programs are pre-trial (that is why you may sometimes hear them called pre-trial diversion programs), meaning the defendant is diverted from the traditional criminal justice processing into a program of supervision, treatment, and rehabilitation. Dallas County offers a number of pre-trial diversion programs. Sometimes programs that result in dismissals are also called diversion programs.
What Dallas County Pre-Trial Diversion Programs are Offered?
Our firm has helped a great number of individuals enter pre-trial Dallas County diversion programs. Because our attorneys have been practicing criminal defense in north central Texas for years, we are uniquely positioned to advise you about how to maximize your chances of getting into a Dallas County Diversion Program.
Dallas County Diversion Programs:
- Achieve, Motivate, Inspire (AIM)
The Dallas County AIM pre-trial diversion program is designed for youthful defenders (18- to 24-year-olds). Those charged with first-time, non-violent felony offenses are encouraged to apply with the help of their attorneys. Common offenses eligible for AIM include possession of marijuana and shoplifting.
- DIVERT Court
DIVERT Court – which is an acronym for Dallas Initiative for Diversion and Expedited Treatment – is for first-time adult drug offenders who are facing certain charges, especially marijuana. If you successfully complete the program, your case will be dismissed.
- Dallas County Misdemeanor Memorandum Agreements
Dallas prosecutors, in certain misdemeanor cases, will dismiss cases at their discretion if certain conditions are met. For example, in a misdemeanor theft case, a misdemeanor prosecutor might dismiss a case if the accused completes a theft education class and pays restitution.
- Dallas County Veteran’s Court Diversion Program
The Veteran’s Court Diversion Program is a diversion program for veterans who are currently facing prosecution for one or more criminal cases. Importantly, this includes certain DWI cases. The program offers offenders a mental health and drug treatment option that is judicially supervised for veterans. Acceptance into the program is determined by the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office.
Eligible for a Dallas County Diversion Program? Contact Us.
Dallas County Diversion Programs are a great way to help our clients move on with their lives if they are willing and able. If you think you or a loved one may be eligible for one of Dallas County’s Pre-Trial Diversion Programs, contact us today to speak to an experienced lawyer.
Our Dallas attorneys are familiar with each of the program’s requirements and, if eligible, can recommend you for the appropriate program. Don’t waste time. The programs have hard deadlines for application – usually 60 or 90 days of your case being filed. You don’t want to miss a chance for a second chance. Call 214-903-4000 for a free consultation with an experienced criminal defense attorney.
