Drug Diversion Court FAQs

When you call the Drug Diversion Court office, you will receive information regarding your case status which may require an office appointment to determine program appropriateness.

If you were arrested in Travis County for a felony drug-related offense a full review of your criminal history will occur through the District Attorney’s Office. If you are deemed legally eligible for the program, you are required to complete an assessment to determine clinical appropriateness as well.

Note on eligibility: Any defendant who is interested in entering the program, but does not meet the legal eligibility, should have their attorney contact the District Attorney’s Office.

If the clinical assessment indicates alcohol is the primary drug of choice, you will not be considered appropriate for the program.

This is determined by the District Attorney’s Office.

An appointment is scheduled to provide you with program information and the clinical assessment will take place.

After the assessment, if you are clinically eligible, you will be given a court appearance date and time. The Judge will either accept or deny each case for program admission.

• Restoration of family and community ties
• Achievement of sustained sobriety
• Dismissal of criminal charges upon successful completion of the program

Drug Diversion Court is not the same as Family Drug Court, which is a Civil Drug Court. Also, Drug Diversion Court is not related to DWI Court, Veteran’s Court, Reentry Court, or Juvenile Court. These are all different. Click here to go to their websites.

Drug Diversion Court is a minimum of 12 months.

No.

Once you are accepted in Drug Diversion Court, you need to contact your Pretrial Officer and let him/her know. At such time, you are no longer required to meet with your assigned Officer.

Once you are accepted in Drug Diversion Court, all future court appearances in the assigned District Court are no longer necessary.

It is not required. Drug Diversion Court has defense attorneys available during all scheduled court dates.

No. Court sessions are reserved for participants only. They may be permitted to wait outside in the courtroom lobby.

Once, an individual has been formally accepted into the program by the presiding Judge. They will attend an orientation session which will explain all program requirements.

Court Appearances

Court appearances are based upon phase advancement which ranges from weekly, bi-weekly to monthly. If a participant regresses, increased court appearances may occur after the first phase.

Case Management

Program participants can anticipate having an initial appointment with their assigned Case Manager within five working days of program acceptance. Case Management reinforces skills learned in treatment while monitoring program compliance and serves as a liaison for ancillary services within the community.

Orientation

Participants are required to attend orientation within 48 hours of program acceptance. Orientation provides an overview of the program requirements and provides an opportunity for staff to answer any questions participants may have in a relaxed atmosphere.

Treatment Interventions

Participants should anticipate attending treatment either in an outpatient or inpatient (residential) setting. The program has in-house treatment and utilizes an evidence-based structured curriculum. With court approval, there are occasions when a participant is referred for treatment services within the community.

For additional information contact Drug Diversion Court.

Graduation

Potential graduates appear in Court for their final appearance before the judge. During this appearance, the participant’s accomplishments are acknowledged and celebrated. They also are given final instructions from the Court, Defense Attorney and Prosecutor regarding dismissal of their case(s).