DIRECT DRUG Probation

Drug Impact Rehabilitation Enhanced Comprehensive Treatment is a Tarrant County program commonly called DIRECT or D.I.R.E.C.T.  As the name suggests, it is a program designed to help participants seek treatment.  There are two similar programs.  The one discussed below is the felony probation version.  There is also a diversion program that will be addressed. 

What does DIRECT involve?

DIRECT is a four phase program for people charged with possession of a controlled substance, delivery of a controlled substance less than 10 grams (must be an element of the offense), use or possession of a controlled substance analogue, or use or possession of marijuana under one pound.  Drugs or alcohol is suspected to have significantly contributed ot the commission of the offense.

In other words, possession of controlled substances, possession of marijuana, and delivery of certain amounts of controlled substances or marijuana.

Phases: there are four phases

In all of the phases, the probationer must attend court twice a month, provide random drug screens, maintain sobriety, and attend 12 step meetings three times a week.

Phase One

The probationer receives their conditions of probation,

sets up their treatment appointments,

observes  curfew between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. (or as directed),  

develops a treatment plan, and

seeks full time employment.

Phase Two

The probationer proves participation in treatment recommendations,

observes the phase one curfew,

obtains or prove high school graduation or GED,

maintains their sobriety,

maintains full time employment, and

attends peer support meetings. 

To advance to phase three the participant must provide a negative hair strand drug test. 

Phase Three

The probationer observes a curfew between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. (or as directed),

Completes any court ordered counseling or treatment,

Maintains stable housing, employment, sobriety, and education

Attends peer support group.

Phase Four

The probationer observes a curfew between midnight and 5 a.m. (or as directed),

Completes an intensive relapse prevention classes,

Maintains stable housing, education, sobriety, and employment,

Submits a negative hair strand dug test, and

Attends and participates in peer support group.        

What would prevent me from entering this probation program?

1. Offense included carrying, using, or possession of a firearm or dangerous weapon;
2. Offense involved the use of force against a person;
3. Offense involved the death or serious bodily injury of an individual;
4. Other felony criminal offenses pending or involved in the same criminal episode for offenses:
   1. Murder, capital murder, or manslaughter;
   2. Unlawful restraint, kidnapping, aggravated kidnapping, smuggling of persons;
   3. Sexual offenses under chapter 21 of the Texas Penal Code.
   4. Robbery or aggravated robbery;
   5. Or the 3g offenses , including use of child in the commission of a controlled substances offense, sexual performance by a child, compelling prostitution, trafficking of persons, burglary with the intent to commit certain felonies.
5. There are no other holds from courts or administrative agencies like ICE;
6. Other felony convictions.

How long is the DIRECT program?

DIRECT is 24 months long felony probation.

If you have been arrested for a controlled substance offense, and would like to consult with an attorney familiar with drug offenses, call 817-231-0023.  The more time your criminal defense attorney has to prepare your defense in a possession of a controlled substance case; the sooner you will find out what programs can help keep a mistake from ruining your future.