Drug Court Programs in Harris and Fort Bend Counties: A Beginner’s Guide

Charged with a Drug Crime in Texas? Drug Court Could Be Your Best Alternative to Jail

If you’ve been arrested for a drug offense in Harris County or Fort Bend County, you may be eligible for a powerful alternative to traditional prosecution: Drug Court. These specialized courts are designed to help eligible defendants get treatment instead of jail time, often leading to dismissals, record sealing, or rehabilitation success stories — especially for first-time or non-violent offenders.

But here’s what many people don’t realize: Drug Court is not automatic. It’s a structured, demanding program — and you’ll need a knowledgeable attorney near you to help you qualify and succeed.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• What Drug Court is and how it works
• Who qualifies for Drug Court in Harris and Fort Bend Counties
• What happens during the program
• What the benefits are
• How a lawyer can help you get into Drug Court and complete it successfully

Let’s walk through the essentials.

What Is Drug Court?

Drug Court is a supervised program that offers treatment and rehabilitation instead of incarceration for eligible drug offenders. It combines:

• Substance abuse treatment
• Frequent court appearances
• Drug testing
• Counseling
• Supervision by probation officers and treatment professionals

Drug Court is typically used for non-violent offenders whose crimes are related to addiction — often those facing felony possession charges, but not trafficking or distribution-level offenses.

How Does Drug Court Work in Harris and Fort Bend Counties?

While each county runs its own program, most follow a structured, multi-phase model. Participants must:

• Appear regularly before a Drug Court judge
• Submit to random drug tests
• Attend treatment sessions or inpatient rehab
• Meet with a case manager or probation officer
• Complete GED, employment, or community service milestones
• Remain arrest-free and compliant

The goal is not only to avoid jail but to address the underlying addiction issues, reduce recidivism, and allow successful participants to return to life without a criminal conviction in many cases.

Who Qualifies for Drug Court?

Eligibility criteria vary by county, but you’re more likely to qualify if:

• This is your first or second offense
• Your charge is non-violent possession or prescription-related
• You do not have a history of violent crime, weapon offenses, or gang activity
• You have a substance abuse problem or addiction history
• You are willing to commit to treatment and supervision

Your attorney near you plays a key role in getting you screened and approved for the program. Early intervention is critical — many Drug Court programs require enrollment before formal conviction.

What Are the Benefits of Drug Court?

Successful Drug Court participants often receive:

• Dismissal of their charges
• Avoidance of prison or county jail time
• Eligibility for record sealing or nondisclosure
• Access to free or low-cost treatment and support services
• Improved health, stability, and employment options

Drug Court offers a real second chance — not just punishment avoidance, but life transformation. See Deferred Adjudication in Drug Crime Cases and Probation Options for First-Time Drug Offenders in Texas for additional alternatives to traditional sentencing.

What Happens If You Fail Drug Court?

Drug Court is strict — and participants who fail to comply may face:

• Sanctions (jail weekends, increased testing, curfews)
• Termination from the program
• Reinstatement of criminal charges
• Sentencing under the original charge level

But you don’t have to be perfect — many programs allow for relapses or setbacks, as long as participants stay honest and committed to recovery.

Is Drug Court Available for Felony Charges?

Yes — especially in Harris County Felony Drug Court and Fort Bend County’s STAR Court (Success Through Addiction Recovery). These programs are specifically designed to handle felony-level possession and addiction-related cases with the goal of avoiding a conviction and promoting long-term recovery.

Even those facing state jail felonies or third-degree felony charges may be eligible for these programs.

See Sentencing Ranges by Drug Type and Quantity for context on how serious these charges can be — and how Drug Court offers a meaningful alternative.

How Long Does Drug Court Last?

Most programs last between 12 and 24 months, depending on your progress. You’ll move through phases that gradually reduce court appearances and supervision requirements as you demonstrate:

• Clean drug tests
• Compliance with treatment
• Completion of education/employment goals
• Personal and behavioral stability

The more committed you are, the faster you move toward graduation — and dismissal of your case.

How Does Drug Court Help You Avoid a Criminal Record?

Many Drug Court programs offer pretrial diversion or deferred adjudication alternatives, meaning:

• No conviction is entered on your record
• Your charges may be dismissed upon graduation
• You may later qualify for record sealing (nondisclosure)

See How Drug Crime Convictions Affect Criminal Records to understand the long-term impact of avoiding a conviction.

How Can a Lawyer Help You Get Into Drug Court?

Not everyone is offered Drug Court — and judges or prosecutors may resist enrolling certain defendants. A qualified defense attorney can:

• Advocate for eligibility screening
• Present evidence of substance abuse history
• Negotiate for Drug Court entry instead of jail time
• Guide you through treatment requirements
• Protect your record after completion

Mekisha Walker, former felony prosecutor and experienced drug defense attorney, knows how Harris and Fort Bend County prosecutors handle diversion programs — and how to help clients qualify and succeed in Drug Court.

Call Walker Law Office today at (713) 228-2611 or visit https://www.walkerlawhouston.com/contact

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