Yes. This is one of the requirements of the program.

They require 25 hours.

No. The PTD program does not accept "paid for" hours. Because the result of the program is a dismissal, they don't want to make it too easy on you. They want you to remember the experience so it influences your future behavior.

It does not need to be on a special form. Any document that is signed by the non-profit that notates the time and dates of the community service will work. Ideally the document will be on the letterhead of the non-profit. Most importantly, it needs to include contact information for someone at the organization who can verify the community service. You should give the proof of community service to us. We will turn it in for you.

As a last resort, yes. However some people fake community service documents, so the prosecutors are suspicious of any document that doesn’t look official. If you do use regular paper, be sure to include contact information for someone at the organization that can verify your community service.

Sure. Here you go.

Yes! If you provide proof that you gave blood, they will give you 5 hours credit. The document must include your name, date, location of where you gave blood, and contact information for the clinic so they can verify it if necessary.

You can do it for any non-profit / non-religious organization. Check out this VOLUNTEERMATCH.COM website. It makes finding a place easy.

It doesn’t have to be bad. We suggest that you look at this as an opportunity to do something new. There are a lot of organizations in Austin that do unique and interesting things. Don’t just go to Goodwill. While Goodwill is undoubtedly a fine organization – the work you would do for them is mostly mindless sorting and cleaning. Find something interesting and the time will fly by. We’ve had clients make great friends and even get hired for jobs at non-profits.

Here is a list of a few local organizations that we like:

Inside Books Project: Open letters from inmates. Select books to best fit the request. Make packages of books to send back to each inmate. Check out this VIDEO about Inside Books Project. 3106 East 14 & 1/2 Street, Austin, TX 78702. (512) 655-3121

Austin Yellow Bike Project: A volunteer-powered initiative to put bicycles on the streets of Austin and Central Texas by operating community bike shops, teaching bike mechanics and maintenance and acting as a local bike advocacy group. Opportunities include repairing bicycles, cleaning and organizing the shop, planning and promoting special events, coordinating community partnerships, answering e-mails, ordering tools and helping with the YBP website. 1216 Webberville Rd., Austin, TX 78721. (512) 524-5299

LBJ Wildflower Center: Positions available in the gift store, leading public tours, and helping with family events. Note: If you have a theft charge, this community service is not available. 4801 La Crosse Ave, Austin, TX 78739. (512) 232-0020

Casa Marianella: Emergency shelter and training center for immigrants seeking asylum. Volunteer opportunities include cooking daily meals, helping with house repairs, playing in the Sunday band, helping residents with job and apartment applications, and organizing donation drives. Organization is also open to other volunteer ideas. 821 Gunter Street, Austin, TX 78702. (512) 385-5571

Habitat for Humanity: Assist in construction of Habitat for Humanity homes. All skill levels welcome. (512) 472-8788 x100

Urban Roots: A youth development organization that uses food and farming to transform the lives of young people and engage and nourish the community. Volunteer opportunities include assisting with farm chores, planting and harvesting crops, and utilizing specialized skills to serve as farm consultants. Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 8:30-11:30am and select Saturdays (Note: If you have an assault charge, this community service is not available. 2921 East 17th Street, Austin, TX 78702. (512) 750-8019

Keep Austin Beautiful: Help keep Austin clean by cleaning Lady Bird Lake and local creeks. 55 N. IH-35 Frontage Rd #215, Austin, TX 78702. (512) 391-0617