Texas has ranked 29th in the U.S. for excessive drinking. More than 17 percent of Texas adults report binge drinking within the past month or heavy drinking within the past week. In one year, more than 80,000 Texans were arrested for driving while intoxicated (DWI). Less than four percent were released without being charged.
Many of these arrests were no doubt repeat offenders. People who have cycled in and out of jail, receiving only punishment for their crime, not the help they need to break the cycle of addiction. The Allen DWI attorneys at Rosenthal Kalabus & Therrian understand that for many people charged with DWI, jail time isn’t the answer. Treatment is. That is why, whenever possible, we will seek to have your case accepted in DWI/drug court. The Collin County DWI court accepts drunk drivers at risk of reoffending if they get treatment and accept responsibility.
To get accepted, applicants must:
- Be Collin County residents
- Undergo substance abuse evaluations before acceptance
- Be willing to take part in an intensive supervision and treatment program
- Have certain DWI and drug offense convictions
Admission into the DWI/drug court requires a conviction, either at trial or through a guilty plea. But instead of jail time, participants receive supervised probation with no community service. The court also grants participants occupational licenses, allowing them to drive up to 12 hours per day, with no filing fee.
Program participants must agree to adhere to the following:
- Undergo intensive treatment and counseling
- Submit to frequent supervision and random alcohol and/or drug testing
- Frequently appear in court to report on the status of their treatment
- Submit to close monitoring for program compliance
The program aims to hold offenders accountable for their behavior by requiring a conviction. At the same time, it seeks to address the root cause of the crime – alcohol addiction. It also teaches participants practical skills for staying sober, which can ultimately save lives.