Practice Areas

Pretrial Diversion: Dismissals For First Time Offenders

For many people arrested for a criminal offense, the experience is their only encounter with the criminal justice system. Increasingly, it is recognized that the consequences of even a single arrest and criminal record can be devastating to a person’s reputation, livelihood and future. Depending on your background and the type of offense with which you were charged, you may qualify to have your charge dismissed and expunged by participating in a pretrial diversion program.

Have Questions About Pretrial Diversion?

Are you eligible and/or interested in pretrial diversion? Do you have a question regarding whether you qualify? Looking for other ways to obtain a dismissal and/or expunging your record? Call Fellman Law Office at (214) 530-2056 for a free consultation.

Pretrial Diversion Programs in the DFW Metroplex Area

Memo Dismissal

  • Qualifying Offenses: Most misdemeanors with some exceptions
  • Program Length: 60 days
  • Eligibility:
    • First offense (Exceptions for prior juvenile, class c, and dismissed cases
    • DWIs, Assaults, Burglary Motor Vehicle, and UCW are not eligible
  • Benefit: Case dismissed

Misdemeanor Mental Health Court

  • Qualifying Offenses: Misdemeanors except for DWI
  • Program Length: 6 months
  • Eligibility: Axis 1 Mental Illness (major depression, bipolar, schizophrenia, PTSD, etc)
  • Benefit: Case dismissed (with possible expunction)

DIVERT Court

  • Qualifying Offenses: First time felony drug arrests
  • Program Length: 12-18 months
  • Eligibility:
    • No prior UCW or assault
    • Must not have been dealing drugs
    • Drug abuse or addiction issue and willing to participate in treatment
  • Benefit: Dismissal and expunction

INTERCEPTED

  • Qualifying Offenses: Misdemeanor Assault Family Violence
  • Program Length: 9 months
  • Eligibility:
    • Under age 25
    • No priors for assault or other violent offenses
    • No prior felony charges
    • No current probation or pending charges
  • Benefit: Dismissal and expunction

Veteran’s Court

  • Qualifying Offenses: Various misdemeanors & felonies (including DWIs)
  • Program Length: 12 months (approximately)
  • Eligibility:
    • Veteran or Active Duty Military
    • Honorable Discharge or Eligible for VA Benefits
    • Mental Health or Drug / Alcohol Issue
    • Willingness to Participate in Treatment
  • Benefit: Dismissal and expunction

Achieve Inspire Motivate (AIM)

  • Qualifying Offenses: various felonies / misdemeanors for youthful offenders
  • Program Length: 12-18 months
  • Eligibility:
    • 18-24 years old
    • No aggravated offenses, sex offenses, burglary of habitation, or family violence charges pending or in criminal history
    • No other pending cases or current probation
  • Benefit: Dismissal and expunction

Stabilization, Engagement, Transition (SET)

  • Qualifying Offenses: Pending Felony Offense
  • Program Length: 12- 18 months
  • Eligibility:
    • Resident of Dallas County
    • Must be Northstar eligible
    • Income Limitation (can’t make over certain amount of money)
    • Diagnosis of major depression, bipolar, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder
    • No sex offender status, Family Violence, Child Abuse, or Arson charges pending or in criminal history
  • Benefit: Dismissal and expunction

Tarrant County Pretrial Diversion Programs

Collin County

Denton County

Pretrial Diversion Program

  • Qualifying Offenses: Various offenses (case-by-case)
  • Program Length: 12 months
  • Eligibility:
    • Must admit guilt
    • No prior convictions
    • Supervised by probation while in program
  • Benefit: Dismissal and expunction

Veteran’s Court Program

  • Qualifying Offenses: Various misdemeanor and felony (including DWI)
  • Program Length: approx. 12 months
  • Eligibility:
    • Veteran With Honorable Discharge or Eligible for VA Benefits
    • Must admit guilt
    • Have a mental health or drug/alcohol diagnosis in need of treatment
    • Offense charged must be related to combat experience or trauma while in military service (some exceptions)
  • Benefit: Dismissal and expunction

Schedule a Consultation Today

Are you eligible and/or interested in pretrial diversion? Questions regarding whether you qualify? Looking for other ways to obtain a dismissal and/or expunging your record? Call Fellman Law Office at (214) 530-2056 for a free consultation.