If you were arrested for DWI due to drug use, you are naturally concerned about the penalties you face. The idea of jail time, stiff fines and the loss of your license can lead you to fear that you will lose your job or even your home if you cannot drive to work to earn an income. Fortunately, Texas has a program called Success Through Addiction Recovery (STAR) that serves as an alternative to traditional penalties for drug DWI.
What is STAR?
STAR allows qualified persons with drug addiction to have supervision and treatment for their addiction and rehabilitation in an effort to allow these individuals to beat their addiction and become productive members of society. It is an alternative to traditional incarceration for drug-related crimes.
STAR uses incentives and sanctions to help people adjust their behaviors in a positive manner. Participants are encouraged to seek educational and other employment goals so they can obtain a job. It is a four-phase, intensive, structured treatment program. STAR also provides participants with aftercare services for one year following the completion of the program. Some aspects of the program include attending support meetings, participating in counseling services, random drug tests and regular appearances before a judge. Participants who complete the STAR program may have their case disposed of based on the discretion of the STAR judge.
How to qualify for the STAR Drug Court Program
In order to qualify for participation in STAR you must meet certain criteria. You must have a moderate to severe drug use disorder. You must be age 17 or above and there are residency requirements as well. You must have been charged with an offense involving drug or alcohol use or one in which drugs or alcohol significantly contributed to the crime charged with.
The STAR program can help those with drug addictions
If you were arrested, charged with or convicted of a crime related to drug use, you will likely have many concerns. Many people in such situations cycle perpetually between drug use and crime, never being rehabilitated. STAR provides an alternative to traditional criminal courts that helps those involved in drug-related crimes, such as a drug DWI.
