A Second Chance: Navigating the Collin County District Attorney's Burden to Blessing Pre-Trial Diversion Program

Facing a criminal charge can be an overwhelming and life-altering experience. The fear of conviction, fines, probation, or even incarceration can cast a long shadow. However, in Collin County, there's a beacon of hope for eligible individuals: the Collin County District Attorney's Burden to Blessing Pre-Trial Diversion Program. This voluntary program offers a unique opportunity to avoid a criminal conviction and earn an immediate expunction, providing a genuine second chance. If you find yourself in such a predicament, understanding the program and having expert guidance is crucial. That's where an experienced attorney like Macy Eldredge comes in, with a proven track record of helping dozens of clients successfully complete the program and keep their records clean.

What is the Burden to Blessing Pre-Trial Diversion Program?

The Burden to Blessing Pre-Trial Diversion Program, supervised by the Collin County Community Supervision and Corrections Division (CSCD), is an alternative to traditional prosecution. Its mission is to prevent crime and enhance public safety by holding eligible defendants accountable while equipping them with the resources, skills, and education needed to break the cycle of crime. Successfully completing the program can lead to the avoidance of prosecution and potential conviction for the charge.

Are You Eligible?

Eligibility for the Diversion Program is determined on a case-by-case basis. To be considered, a defendant must freely admit guilt, be willing to complete all program terms, and refrain from any further criminal activity.

The program has specific guidelines regarding criminal history and the nature of the offense:

• Criminal History: Generally, defendants should have no prior adult felony convictions and no prior convictions for violent misdemeanors. Both arrest history and the final disposition of charges will be reviewed. For defendants 25 years old or less with a juvenile record indicating disregard for criminal laws, disqualification is possible. Exceptions may be approved by the Diversion Prosecutor.
• Ineligible Offenses: The program does not accept those charged with violent offenses, domestic violence offenses, sexual-offender-related offenses, offenses involving the neglect or abuse of children, offenses involving weapons, or Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) or related offenses. Any offenses arising from the same transaction as an ineligible offense are also disqualified. However, exceptions can be approved by the Diversion Prosecutor.
• Other Factors: Denial of admission will not be based on race, gender, sexual preference, economic status, disability, or inability to pay program fees. However, cases can be denied for reasons such as late application, the nature or facts of the offense, the defendant's criminal history, needing more support than the program offers, failure to schedule or appear for orientation, positive drug tests, missing a court date, or additional arrests.

The Application Process: A Critical First Step

Applying to the Diversion Program requires meticulous attention to detail. Applications must be submitted through the District Attorney's website within 30 calendar days of an attorney being hired or appointed, or within 30 calendar days of the first appearance, whichever is later.

Key application components include:

• Signed Agreement: This document, signed by both the defendant and their attorney, confirms that the defendant has been fully advised of their Constitutional Rights (including the right to remain silent) and has waived the right to a Speedy Trial for the duration of the application process and program participation. It also acknowledges that CSCD may assess additional conditions and that the defendant is responsible for all associated costs.
  
  
• Sworn Statement: Defendants must submit a signed and sworn typed statement detailing the facts and circumstances of the charged offense. Crucially, the statement must be consistent with guilt; otherwise, the application will be rejected. While this statement generally won't be used as evidence against the defendant if not accepted into the program, it can be used for impeachment if the defendant testifies at trial or as rebuttal evidence if unsatisfactorily terminated from the program.
• Personal Statement: This is your opportunity to convey your sincere desire to participate, what you intend to do with this second chance, and how the program will impact your life. A lack of sincere desire or commitment to change can lead to denial.
• CSCD Forms: These must be completed and signed as part of the application.
• Optional Documents: You can also submit letters of recommendation, your resume, and transcripts to strengthen your application.

Program Conditions: What to Expect

Upon acceptance, participants must adhere to various conditions designed to foster rehabilitation and accountability:

• Life Skills Courses: All participants must complete the mandatory "Super Saturday: Framing New Horizons" class, which teaches valuable skills like identifying behavioral patterns and problem-solving. This class waives 40 hours of community service. An optional "5 Night Re-Write: Scaling New Horizons" class focusing on career design is also available, waiving an additional 40 hours of community service upon completion.
• Community Service: Misdemeanor cases require 80 hours, while felony cases require 120 hours, to be completed in Collin County at an approved location. Completion of both Super Saturday and 5 Night Re-Write waives these hours.
• Fees and Restitution: A $500 program fee is due before admittance (waived for indigent defendants). A monthly CSCD supervision fee of $55 and a $25 drug/alcohol testing fee at orientation are also required, with additional $25 fees for random tests. Full restitution for monetary loss suffered by victims must be paid on or before the PTD Orientation date, or entry may be denied. Payments are made to CSCD via credit card, money order, cashier's checks, or online.
• Program Length: Misdemeanor charges involve supervision for up to one year, with potential for early release in six months. Felony charges entail supervision for up to two years, with potential early release after one year.
• Reporting: Monthly in-person reporting to a Supervision Officer is mandatory, along with providing proof of course completion and community service hours.
• Drug/Alcohol Testing: Illicit substance use is prohibited. Participants under 21 may be tested for alcohol. Those with substance abuse issues may be required to abstain from particular substances. Failure to timely submit to a urine analysis or submitting a diluted or positive sample can result in removal.
• Mandatory Contract Items: These include no further criminal violations, truthfully answering questions, reporting police contact within 24 hours, no weapons possession, paying all costs/fines/restitution/fees, community service (at least 10 hours/month), alcohol/drug evaluation, Breathalyzer call-ins, no drug use, drug/alcohol treatment, mental health evaluation/treatment, and driving only with a valid license and insurance.
• Special Conditions: The Diversion Prosecutor or CSCD may require participation in special counseling, mentoring, classes, therapy, or services, and refusal can lead to removal.

The Importance of Expert Guidance: Why Macy Eldredge is Necessary

Navigating the complexities of the Burden to Blessing Pre-Trial Diversion Program, from initial eligibility assessment and application submission to fulfilling program conditions and securing expunction, demands a highly experienced and knowledgeable legal advocate. This is where Macy Eldredge truly excels.

Macy has successfully guided dozens of clients through the Collin County District Attorney's Pre-Trial Diversion Program, helping them complete it successfully and keep their records clean. Her deep understanding of the program's nuances, eligibility requirements, and the intricate application process ensures that her clients present the strongest possible case for admission. She meticulously prepares all necessary documents, including the crucial sworn and personal statements, to meet the program's strict criteria.

Furthermore, Macy's expertise extends beyond just getting accepted. She advises and supports her clients throughout their time in the program, helping them understand and meet all conditions, from community service and classes to drug testing and reporting requirements. Her guidance is invaluable in preventing missteps that could lead to removal from the program.

Upon successful completion of the Diversion Program, the case is dismissed. This is a monumental achievement, but the process isn't truly complete until all traces of the arrest and the PTD program are expunged from the client's record. Macy Eldredge is adept at handling the expunction process, ensuring that her clients can truly move forward with a clean slate, free from the burden of a past charge.

If you are facing a criminal charge in Collin County and believe you may be eligible for the Burden to Blessing Pre-Trial Diversion Program, do not attempt to navigate it alone. The program offers an incredible opportunity, but its complexities require the seasoned expertise of an attorney like Macy Eldredge. Her proven track record and dedication to her clients' success make her an invaluable asset in transforming a difficult situation into a genuine second chance. Contact Macy Eldredge today to discuss your options and take the first step towards a clear future.