Punishment vs. Reform in the Hays County Courts at Law

There is evidence that giving individuals alternatives to the traditional punishment of the court system allows more people to get the help they need and leads to less homelessness and higher levels of employment. Texas has begun implementing different programs, known as diversion courts, to provide an alternative to the traditional jail model. Individuals placed in these programs are given the opportunity to receive mental health and/or substance abuse treatment. These programs can help the individual and the community by reducing the burden on the legal system. Hays county must now implement programs designed to allow diversion from the criminal justice system. It is imperative that we have a Mental Health Court, a DWI Court and a Drug Court. Individuals who qualify can then get the treatment they need and avoid a conviction if successful in completing the program.