CES Evaluation FAQ
What is the C.E.S. Evaluation?
It is an evaluation that is typically required when someone is arrested for a case that involves alcohol, drugs, or violence. The evaluation is done by Travis County counselors. They decide which counseling classes should be done by the defendant while the case is pending or while on probation.
Travis County C.E.S. Evaluation FAQ
Do I go to the C.E.S. location in person?
Not anymore. It is all virtual now. You need to have access to a computer with video/audio capabilities. They use Teams video conferencing to interview you.
How does it work?
STEP 1: Call them on your cell phone (512-854-9540, then press 2 when they offer the menu of choices) and tell them you need to get an evaluation. They should have your ‘referral form’ on file. But if they don’t, contact us and we will send it to them.
STEP 2: Look for an email with their intake form. This will include demographic questions and some questions about the arrest. They will already know general information about the current arrest and your criminal history. They use Docusign to allow you to sign the form.
This is the INtake form:
STEP 3: They will send you a long questionnaire about your current and past alcohol/substance use.
STEP 4: After you complete the questionnaire, they will email you with a time for the online video conference interview (which takes place a few weeks later). The interview will take up to 3 hours. It will be one-on-one via online video with a counselor.
STEP 5: They will send you a list of classes with the ones they recommend for you check-marked or circled. Please forward the list to us (or take a picture and email it to us).
STEP 6: You need to start taking the classes.
WHY DO THEY REQUIRE PEOPLE TO TAKE THE EVALUATION? CAN’T I JUST TAKE THE CLASSES WITHOUT IT?
The evaluation is designed to look for people who need extra counseling. Some people who get arrested only need minimal counseling (because their life is generally stable). Other people have serious addiction issues. Some people are in the middle. The C.ES evaluation is how they figure out which one you are.
SHOULD I BE CAREFUL WHAT I SAY TO THEM?
Well, don’t exaggerate anything. However, I am a fan of counseling, so my advice is to be truthful. Many of my clients have benefited from the counseling that they initially didn’t want to do.
WILL THEY TELL THE PROSECUTORS WHAT I SAY ABOUT THE ARREST?
No. They are only concerned with the counseling that would benefit you.
What if I want to take the evaluation sooner than the date they offer?
You can call them at 8am (everyday) and ask to be put "standby list" - they often have appointments available.
WHERE DO I TAKE THE CLASSES?
They will give you a sheet with options for each of the classes. We recommend EDUCATION RESOURCE OF TEXAS (for the 12-hour DWIE class and the DWI intervention 32-hour program) and AUSTIN EDUCATION SERVICES (12-Hour DWIE class). Try to avoid taking the actual classes with Travis County C.E.S. (although some classes are only offered by them).
WHAT IF I TAKE THE CLASS WHILE THE CASE IS PENDING AND MY PROBATION OFFICER SAYS I NEED TO TAKE THE CLASS AGAIN.
They won’t do that. You will only need to take a class one time.
I HAVE MORE QUESTIONS.
No problem. Email or call us.
