Divert Program Dallas County
The Dallas County Veterans Court Program is a mental health and drug treatment court which provides an alternative to traditional criminal prosecution for veterans who meet specific criteria and suffer from a mental health disorder, including substance abuse disorders. The purpose of the program is to provide treatment for mental health issues that caused or affected the actions of the veteran in the criminal offense charged. The Court provides an alternative to traditional criminal prosecution for limited types of offenses and for the proper medical treatment of veterans who have served our country. Through direct coordination with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the Veterans Court Program can help to provide medical treatment, mentoring, and other services to our nation's veterans who are facing qualifying criminal charges. SUMMARY INFORMATION Eligibility Requirements.
COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS OF DALLAS COUNTY DIVERT COURT SIGNIFICANCE FOR DRUG COURT PROGRAMS Early drug courts appeared in the U.S. In the 1980s. Rigorous evaluation is. If you have you been arrested for a Dallas County misdemeanor, and it may be possible to have your case dismissed with the Dallas Misdemeanor Divert program.
Charged with an offense which could or would typically receive a community supervision recommendation – such as probation. Must have an Honorable Discharge or currently be a serving Active Duty Member in the Armed Forces.
No prior felony convictions or felony deferred adjudications. Must be employed full‐time, a full‐time student, or a part‐time student also working part‐time. Benefits.
1. Access to U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs medical treatment of mental health issues. Continual Court monitoring of treatment progress. Periodic appearances in Court with the judge. Mentoring by fellow veterans. Many mentors participated in the Veterans Court Program. Successful completion results in dismissal of the charges and eligibility for expunction from the veteran’s record. Introduction.
An alternative to traditional prosecution. Treatment of mental health issues which caused or affected criminal conduct. Eligibility is determined by the District Attorney’s Office.
Process & Instructions. Consult with your attorney about applying for Veterans Court. Contact the Community Supervision Officer (CSO) at 214‐875‐4939. Fill‐out and submit waivers granting the Veterans Court access to your military service records and medical records for purposes of determining eligibility for, and course of treatment in, Veterans Court. Charged offense is reviewed by the CSO and the District Attorney’s Office to determine eligibility of acceptance into the program.
Appointment is set for mental health evaluation. Veteran applicant is informed of their acceptance or denial into the program via phone call from the CSO. Treatment Plan issued (treatments vary) and mentor assigned.
Judge monitors progress throughout treatment. Once treatment is complete, case is dismissed and eligible for expunction.
Divert Program Dallas County
Follow CBSDFW.COM: DALLAS (CBS11) – Monday in Dallas County, justice was served in the form of second chances. A diversion court program called AIM, which stands for Achieve Inspire Motivate, graduated its first five participants. James Reddic was among them. “I’m just glad to be free,” said Reddic, now 20. He was 17 when he made what he freely calls a stupid mistake. For three years the felony indictment has been both a burden and a roadblock. “I was struggling to get a job, couldn’t even get a basic job,” explained Reddic.
City Of Dallas
Without the program and the opportunity for options, Reddic suspects he would have soon been back on the road to prison. But, as a graduate of the program his record is wiped clean. “Now, I can dream,” said Reddic.
The AIM program was started about a year ago, but new Dallas County District Attorney Faith Johnson says she intends to keep it, saying the community is safer when young offenders are given second chances. DA Johnson addressed the graduates Monday telling them, “We took a chance on you.” Judge Brandon Birmingham oversees the program in the 292nd District Court. He said the participants work to earn their second chances. They submit to drug testing, counseling and must stay in school or get a job. It is open to non-violent felony offenders between the ages of 18 and 24. Participants have been indicted, but not convicted of a crime. If they successfully complete the program, it is as if the crimes never happened.
“We’re not talking about murderers or child abusers,” said Judge Birmingham. “It’s basically people who have made some youthful indiscretions.” According to the judge, helping non-violent offenders become better citizens makes the community safer in the long run. “As they succeed a little bit, they’re going to want to succeed more, and they’re going to get better jobs and they’re going to be way more productive as members of our society had they been otherwise if they had been convicted,” said Judge Birmingham. “There are so many doors closed when you’re a convicted felonyou can’t vote for a certain amount of time, hard to get a job, that leads to other things, all of those ancillary causes will be removed because we’re removing that barrier from future success.” The inaugural graduating class of five leaves about 20 participants still working their way through the program.
State Of Texas Diversion Program
Judge Birmingham hopes to see the program expand. As for Reddic, he hopes to either enter the Air Force and/or go to school to study construction management.
“I want to build this city,” said Reddic. “I want to open up new roads, new houses and buildings. I want to be known for something. I want to leave my mark.” And with the mark of his mistake now removed, perhaps he can. (©2017 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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