Diversion programs are gaining popularity in the United States as a way to deal with first-time, non-violent offenders. They are proven to be very effective at reducing recidivism or repeat offenses. These programs also spare counties the expense of a trial and/or the time the offender would serve in jail. All of these things make diversion an attractive prospect across the nation.
The Texas DWI diversion program is considered a pretrial diversion program. To qualify for the program you have to meet the following requirements:
- No prior DWI or alcohol-related arrests.
- A valid driver’s license.
- Attend school full time or have a full-time job.
- Submit to a urinalysis that shows you are not consuming non-prescribed drugs or alcohol.
- Compose a letter of remorse and admit a guilty plea.
- Provide three recommendation letters.
- No open containers in the car at the time of arrest.
- Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level under.1 percent.
If you meet these requirements you will then need to pay a fee, participate in an alcohol education program, and use an ignition interlock device for at least half of your one-year driver’s license suspension. If you complete your pretrial diversion requirements, your DWI will be dismissed after one year and you can then request for it to be expunged from your record after two years.
The Texas DWI diversion program has undergone many changes in recent years and getting current and accurate information can be difficult. Your best plan is to contact a qualified attorney in the county that you received your DWI in so that you are certain to have the most up-to-date information and take all the correct steps to mitigate the impact of your DWI.
If you make the mistake of driving under the influence in Texas, don’t think it’s hopeless. You may qualify for the Texas DWI diversion program and you can make restitution and then move forward with a second chance at a law-abiding life.
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