Texas Drug Offenders Education Program: What You Need To Know

What is the Texas Drug Offenders Education Program?

The Texas Drug Offenders Education Program (DOEP) is a court-ordered or parole program that offers help to drug offenders who need assistance overcoming addiction and avoiding future criminal activity. The program is designed to increase understanding of the consequences of drug use and the need for participants to alter their behavior. The DOEP program is designed to be used in addition to other legal consequences, such as fines, probation, or sentencing. DOEP is not intended to be a punishment in itself. Rather, it is designed to help people understand the dangers of drug use and the need to avoid illegal substances.

Who is Eligible for DOEP?

For offenders who are facing criminal charges for possession or use of controlled substances, DOEP participation is mandatory. However, the court may order you to complete the program if you are convicted of distribution as well. If you were charged with a cannabis-related offense and are facing a sentence of deferred adjudication, you may also be required to complete DOEP as a condition of your sentence. Offenders charged with state jail felonies or below are not required to complete DOEP, but judges can still order participation for any reason.

How Does the Program Work?

The DOEP program has three main components: - In-prison programming - Offenders will complete a treatment program while incarcerated. - Aftercare - Participants will participate in aftercare programming designed to reduce drug use and criminal activity after they serve their sentence or complete parole. - Continuing education - DOEP participants will be required to complete a course designed to increase knowledge of drug use. DOEP participants will learn about how drugs affect the body and how to avoid and escape from high-risk situations where drugs are being used. In addition, DOEP participants will learn about legal consequences, find alternatives to drug use, improve communication skills, and more.

Time Commitment for DOEP.

DOEP participants will complete the in-prison portion of the program while incarcerated. It lasts 16 weeks and costs no money to complete. Aftercare programming will vary depending on the needs of the participant. It can take anywhere from a few months to a year or more. Continuing education programming will last at least six weeks.

Is Completing TX Drug Offenders Ed Program Mandatory?

Yes, unless you were convicted of a state jail felony or below. Judges may order other offenders to complete the program as well. If you were convicted of a state jail felony, you may still be ordered to complete DOEP, but judges are more likely to recommend deferred adjudication. Similarly, judges will more often order higher-level offenders to complete DOEP instead of sentencing them to jail. If you were convicted of a felony, a judge may order you to complete DOEP as a condition of probation instead of incarceration.

Is The Texas Drug Offenders Ed Program Worth It?

The Texas Drug Offenders Education Program is meant to help people understand the consequences of drug use and avoid future crimes. The program is free to complete and will not appear on your criminal record. If you are facing drug charges, you should consider completing the DOEP program. Ultimately, the only person who can decide if the program is worth it is you. You know your situation better than anyone else, so you’re in the best position to decide if this program can help you.

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