COURT SCHEDULE

WEDNESDAY

Staffing 2:00 P.M.: 
Team Members meet in a closed session to discuss the progress of each Participant. 

Hearings 3:00 P.M.:
Court sessions are open to the public and family members and support network are encouraged to attend.

THURSDAY

Pleas 8:30 A.M.: 
No more than four pleas will be scheduled at a time; attorneys and defendants are expected to be ready no later than 8:45 A.M. Paperwork will be available for pick up at the District Attorney’s office the week prior. 

Assessments 9:00 A.M. and 1:30 P.M.:
After submitting an application and observing a court session, a Defendant will be scheduled for assessments on substance abuse. 

Program Overview:
The Midland County DWI Court Program utilizes a non-traditional, pro-active approach to corrections and rehabilitation at the community level and in the treatment of at-risk offenders in overcoming serious alcohol and drug addictions.

The Midland County DWI Court Program focuses on the problem of addiction and provides a high level of direct accountability of the offender to the court.  As a treatment focused alternative to incarceration the problem of addiction can be addressed at a cost savings to the citizens of Midland County as well as the State of Texas.    

Participants of the Program are adults who have been charged with DWI related offenses in Midland County and assessed as High-Risk and Need for treatment intervention.  The Program is a comprehensive (11) month, five (5) phase program designed with specific objectives aimed at keeping the Participant sober and drug free while reducing recidivism.   

The Program implements prosocial, adaptive, habitual, and continuous care.  The Program demands Participant accountability by requiring judicial monitoring, mandatory treatment, intensive supervision, and law enforcement surveillance. 

Program Structure:
The Midland County DWI Court Program is a comprehensive eleven (11) month, five (5) phase program designed with specific objectives aimed at keeping the Participant sober, drug free, and reducing recidivism.  Participants are those individuals with a history and pattern of DWI related offenses.  The Program implements prosocial, adaptation, habitual, and continuous care.  The Program demands offender accountability by requiring judicial monitoring, mandatory treatment, and intensive supervision.

Target Population:
The Midland County DWI Court Program will be comprised of male and female offenders age 17 and older who are charged with DWI or related offense in Midland County. 

Eligibility Criteria:
The opportunity to participate in the Midland County DWI Court Program will be limited to persons who meet the following criteria:

• At least 17 years of age.
• Have a currently pending charge for a DWI or other related offense (such as: Misdemeanor DWI 2nd, Felony DWI 3rd or subsequent, DWI with child passenger, or DUI) in Midland County or currently be on community supervision for a DWI or other related offense in Midland County.
• A resident of Midland County or of a contiguous county with the ability to return to Midland County as needed to comply with the requirements of the Court.
• Assessed as suffering from a substance use disorder that is suspected to have significantly contributed to the commission of the charged offense and/or the allegations that form the basis for a revocation of community supervision
• Have a low probability, due to past history or the severity of substance use disorder, of successful completion of community supervision without DWI Court intervention.
• Must voluntarily submit to The Program and commit to complying with any and all requirements of The Program.

Disqualification Factors: 
Cases will be reviewed on an individual basis to determine the extent and circumstance surrounding the disqualifying factors versus the need to participate in The Program.  Those cases declined for acceptance into the Midland County DWI Court Program will be retained by the originally assigned/referring judge.  

The following factors are considered and will prevent a person from participating in The Program: 

• Other pending offenses involved:    
  • Use of a firearm or other dangerous weapon; or
  • the death of or serious bodily injury to another
• The defendant has a significant prior criminal history involving violent offenses.
• The defendant has a prior conviction, deferred adjudication, or adjudication of delinquent conduct for a sex offense defined as a reportable conviction under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Art. 62.001(5)
• The defendant has a prior conviction or deferred adjudication for a sex offense.
• The defendant has a significant prior criminal history involving the delivery or manufacture of illegal drugs.
• The defendant is seriously and persistently mentally ill and cannot participate in the structure of the Drug Court.
• The defendant is actively engaged as a confidential informant for law enforcement in any jurisdiction.
• Currently participating in another Midland County specialty court.  

Application:
To apply for the Midland County DWI Court, submit an application to the Midland County Drug Court either in person at the Midland County Courthouse located at 500 N. Loraine, suite 550 or via email. All applicants are required to observe a court session prior to moving on to the assessment portion of the process. View application.

DISPARATE IMPACT STATEMENT

Much like the disease of addiction, it is the policy of the Midland County Drug Court to provide equal opportunity to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, Midland County Drug Court will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.