Tarrant County First Offender Drug Program (FODP)

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First Offender Drug Program (FODP)

As a criminal defense attorney, some of the most common types of criminal cases I handle each year are drug cases. And for first time defendants, the FODP is an excellent program to get your case dismissed with minimal court involvement. The FODP gives first-time offenders a second chance. And while it is not guaranteed that you will be admitted to the program, I have a track record of success, with many satisfied clients. I will do whatever I can to help you get accepted into the program and get your case dismissed. Primary Mission and Purpose According to the Tarrant County District Attorney, the mission of the First Offender Drug Program (FODP) is to enhance the quality and efficiency of the criminal justice system by redirecting low-risk, first-time drug offenders into a court-supervised program. This initiative aims to:

Enhance public safety
Reduce crime rates
Hold offenders accountable
Increase sobriety among participants
Lower community costs
Decrease congestion in criminal court dockets

Requirements to be Eligible To be eligible for the First Offender Drug Program (FODP), you must be approved by the Criminal District Attorney’s Office. The program is intended for first-time offenders deemed likely to self-correct with minimal supervision. In order to be considered, you will need to provide the following:

High school diploma, equivalent transcript, or proof of current enrollment in high school, GED program, or college
All Program fees are expected to be paid in full

Program Rules:

No progressive sanctions
No drug use or underage alcohol consumption
Any violation results in immediate removal from the program
Termination leads to formal sentencing based on the original plea

Program Structure: Felonies:

180-Day Program
Urinalysis twice per month
Two hair tests
Short-term education class

Misdemeanors:

90-Day Program
Urinalysis twice per month
Short-term education class

Eligible Offenses for FODP: The following offenses may qualify for the FODP program:

Possession of Controlled Substance, under 1 gram
Possession of Controlled Substance, 1-4 grams
Possession of Controlled Substance, under 2 ounces
Possession of Marijuana, under 2 ounces
Possession of Marijuana, 2-4 ounces
Drug-Free Zone, Controlled Substance under 28 grams
Drug-Free Zone, Marijuana 2-4 ounces
Forging or Altering Prescription
Possession of Dangerous Drug

Eligibility Restrictions:

No prior convictions, community supervision, or deferred adjudication for offenses other than Class C misdemeanors
No prior participation in any other diversion programs

Participation in this program offers a second chance for first-time offenders to correct their path and have their case dismissed. If you have been arrested on any drug related charge, please contact criminal lawyer Stephen Handy. There are strict time limits to apply for the program, so do not wait to call.

Tarrant County First Offender Drug Program (FODP)

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Respected

Practice Areas

First Offender Drug Program (FODP)

Fort Worth

Hurst