If you have been arrested for repeated intoxication-related offenses and are facing a felony DWI case in Tarrant County, you may qualify for the Felony Alcohol Intervention Program (FAIP). The program can also help you recover from a life of addiction and avoid penitentiary time for DWI felony repetition.

What is the Tarrant County Felony Alcohol Intervention Program (FAIP)?

FAIP is a specialty program designed to treat high-risk offenders who have had three or more DWIs. FAIP participants accept a plea bargain in which they are placed on probation for four years, with time in jail as a condition of probation.  An individual who is in FAIP will be revoked to a seven-year sentence if they violate the conditions of FAIP probation.

What are the Eligibility Requirements for the Felony Alcohol Intervention Program in Tarrant County?

To be eligible for FAIP, the applicant must:

• Must be 17 years of age or older
• Must be a resident of Tarrant County
• Must be facing a felony DWI charge (two or more prior DWI convictions)
• Have no prior 3(g) offenses or pending 3(g) charges
• Intoxication caused by alcohol only
• Must be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident
• Must not be currently on parole
• Must not be on community supervision in any other jurisdiction
• Have no prior involuntary or intoxication manslaughter nor intoxication assault convictions
• Must have approval of F.A.I.P. team

What is the Entry Process for FAIP?

The entry process for FAIP is very selective. Steps in Tarrant Count Felony Alcohol Intervention Program (FAIP) entry process include:

1. Case Filing: Defendant’s felony DWI case is filed in one of Tarrant County’s 10 district courts.
2. Initial Screening: The FAIP coordinator reviews each felony DWI case filed in Tarrant County to identify defendants who meet the criteria.
3. Legal Screening: The District Attorney determines the defendant’s legal eligibility and assesses the public safety risk.
4. Letter to Defense Attorney: The FAIP coordinator notifies defense attorneys of DWI defendants who have met criteria, indicating they may be eligible for FAIP.
5. Pre-Sentence Investigation: An investigation is scheduled after contacting the defense attorney. The defendant may attend with his or her attorney.
6. Team Decision: FAIP team votes on admission and suitability at its weekly meetings.
7. Plea of Guilty: If accepted, the coordinator sets a court date for the defendant to plead guilty to DWI-Felony Repetition (7 year probated for 4 years with FAIP conditions.) The case is transferred to Criminal District Court, where Judge Robb Catalano will supervise the defendant.
8. Clinical assessment: After after plea is accepted, the nature and extend of the participants diagnosis and clinical needs are determined and clarified.

What are the FAIP Conditions?

The conditions of FAIP are strict and include treatment, community service, drug tests, curfews, and employment, among other things. Here’s a list of requirements of the program:

• Fines of $1350
• 7 years probated for 4 years
• 10-day continuous custody
• Intensive supervision monitoring
• Substance abuse assessment and follow recommended treatment
• Maintain a suitable job and furnish proof of employment
• Weekly court compliance hearings
• 160 hours of Community Service at no fewer than 10 hours per week
• Submit valid controlled substance and cannabinoid tests
• Submit to monitoring by substance abuse test patch and pay fees
• Curfew from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 am
• Partner in Recovery (PIR)
• Electronic monitoring for 90 days
• Attend recovery support group meetings for 90 days and then four times weekly for remainder
• Interlock camera device in vehicle
• Hard driver’s license suspended for two years (occupational DL possible between 6-12 months and application made in CDC3)

What are the Tarrant County FAIP Phases?

FAIP participants must complete five phases of the program. They include:

• Phase One: Stabilize & Engage (approximately 3 months): weekly court sessions, weekly probation visits, no driving, SCRAM and BAT, PIR involvement, recovery support groups daily, recommended treatment program, working 40 hours a week, no drinking, curfew, daily drug test call in system
• Phase Two: Treatment (approximately 4 months): court twice a month, finish recommended treatment program, recovery support group four times a week for remainder, DWI repeat offender class, working 40 hours a week, no drinking, curfew, daily drug test call in system
• Phase Three: Consistent Maintenance (approximately 6 months): court session once a month, probation visit once a month, recovery support group four times a week, health class, occupational license at six months or one year, working 40 hours/week, no drinking, curfew, daily drug test call in system
• Phase Four: Continuing Care (approximately 8 months):court sessions once a month, probation visit monthly, recovery support groups four times a week, DWI impact panel, work 40 hours a week, no drinking, curfew
• Phase Five: Aftercare (approximately 27 months) quarterly court sessions, probation visit monthly, recovery support group four times a week, community service 60 hours, Intensive Relapse Prevention, working 40 hours a week, no drinking

What are the Sanctions for Non-Compliance in FAIP?

People who misstep while in FAIP can face the following sanctions:

• Admonishment in FAIP Court
• Loss of privileges
• Work assignments
• Increased supervision
• Demotion of phase advancements
• Days in jail
• Relapse Sanction

What Violations are Grounds for Revocations (7-year sentence)?

Certain violations may be grounds for revocation, including:

• Absconding
• Any new felony arrest
• People who can’t work the program, keep a job, etc.
• Conduct threatening program, such as forging an AA sign-in

What are the Incentives of the FAIP Program?

The incentives of FAIP are far-reaching. The goal for participants is to get sober and to change their lives. Other incentives include:

• Low Recidivism rate
• Cheaper than standard probation
• Less jail time
• Less probation

Interested in the Tarrant County Felony Alcohol Intervention Program (FAIP)? Contact Us.

We have had clients successfully enter Tarrant County FAIP with exceptional results. To find out how we can help you, contact us at (817) 203-2220 for a free consultation with an experienced defense attorney.