Diversion Programs in Williamson County

Every person, who gets arrested, is not a criminal. Sometimes an individual just makes an unwise decision to hang out with the wrong crowd, engage in a physical altercation, or possess marijuana.

That one unwise decision can result in a criminal conviction, which has serious consequences, including jail time, steep fines, ineligibility for certain employment, and disqualification for university admission and scholarships.

Williamson County offers certain first-time offenders a second chance through diversion programs. Diversion programs allow an individual to avoid a criminal conviction upon completion of particular requirements. Each diversion program has its own eligibility criteria and fulfillment requirements.

If you have been charged with a criminal offense anywhere in Williamson County, including Georgetown, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Leander, Taylor, or Hutto, it is important to consult an experienced criminal defense attorney to discuss your eligibility for specific diversion programs and the necessary steps to fulfill program requirements.

Williamson County Diversion Programs

The following are the available diversion programs in Williamson County:

• Pre-Trial Intervention Program
• S.O.S. Diversion Program

Pre-Trial Intervention Program (PTIP)

The adult misdemeanor Pre-Trial Intervention Program (PTIP) is organized by the Williamson County Attorney’s Office. PTIP is granted at the discretion of the Williamson County Attorney’s Office to first-time offenders, who are not likely to re-offend. Upon completion of the program’s rigorous requirements, the criminal charge against the individual is dismissed.

To be eligible for the PTIP program the individual must be a first-time offender. This means the individual cannot have a criminal history involving offenses punishable by jail or prison time. This includes Class C misdemeanors (except certain traffic violations) and juvenile offenses.

Also, the individual cannot be charged with the following:

• Any public indecency offense listed under Tex. Penal C. Chapter 43, including prostitution, obscenity, or sexual performance by a child.
•  Any sexual offense listed under Tex. Penal C. Chapter 21 , including indecency with a child, improper relationship between educator and student, and unlawful disclosure or promotion of intimate visual material.
• Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) with a BAC greater than 0.15
• Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) involving damage to another or injury to another
• Possession of a Controlled Substance in a Drug-Free Zone
• Possession of Marijuana in a Drug-Free Zone
• False Report to a Peace Officer
• Resisting Arrest

S.O.S Diversion Program

Available only to first-time, misdemeanor juvenile offenders between the ages of 10-16, the S.O.S. Diversion Program allows the youth offender to resolve the alleged offense without a formal referral to Juvenile Court and/or Juvenile Field Probation Services.

Only the following offenses are eligible for the S.O.S Diversion Program:

• Assault (Between students and cannot result in medical bills)
• Criminal Mischief ($50-$1500)
• Criminal Trespass
• Evading Arrest on Foot
• False Alarm or Report
• False Identification
• False Report to a Police Officer
• Harassment (Verbal or telephone only)
• Terroristic Threat
• Theft ($50-$1500)
• Theft by Bad Check ($50-$1500)

To satisfy program requirements, the youth must complete an educational course, community service, and any additional measures the S.O.S. program coordinator believes are necessary to reduce the juvenile’s likely to re-offend.

Conclusion

Diversion programs are a great option for first-time offenders who deserve a second chance. It is important to note acceptance into diversion programs is discretionary or determined on a case-by-case basis. It is important to consult an experienced criminal defense attorney to build the strong case for acceptance into a diversion program.

Michael J. Price and Mark Brunner of Price & Twine, PLLC are Georgetown criminal defense attorneys with the skill and knowledge necessary to increase your likelihood of approval for first-offender diversion.

Price & Twine, PLLC represents individuals facing any criminal offense, including DWI, family violence, marijuana possession, and property crimes. Michael J. Price and Mark Brunner of Price & Twine, PLLC strongly defend individuals throughout Williamson and Bell Counties, including Georgetown, Round Rock, Killeen, Temple, and surrounding areas.

Contact Price & Twine, PLLC at (512) 354-1880 or submit an online form to schedule a confidential review of your case. The attorneys at Price & Twine, PLLC are available 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week to handle any of your criminal issues.