C.E.S. Evaluation for DWI Pre-Trial Diversion
Evaluation for DWI Pre-Trial Diversion
Charlie explains the Travis County CES evaluation for the Pre-Trial Diversion program.
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.
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.
NOTE: There is a walk-in option available on Tuesdays at 5501 Airport Boulevard, starting at 7:15 AM, allowing you to complete the process in one day. We suggest you get in line early in order to secure a spot.
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: After you complete the initial 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 4: Click here and tell us when your meeting is scheduled.
STEP 5: After you meet with the counselor, 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 CES 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. Many of my clients have benefited from the counseling that they initially didn’t want to do.
What happens during the virtual assessment?
In the virtual assessment conducted via Teams, a professional will review your completed questionnaire with you, ask additional questions, and determine the classes you need.
WILL THEY TELL THE PROSECUTORS WHAT I SAY ABOUT THE ARREST?
No. They are only concerned with the counseling that would benefit you.
Is there a walk-in option? What if I want to take the evaluation sooner than the date they offer?
There's a walk-in option available on Tuesdays at 5501 Airport Boulevard, starting at 7:15 AM, allowing you to complete the process in one day.
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).
What should I do if I don't receive any calls or emails after the initial steps?
If you haven't received any communication, you should proactively call them back and check your spam email to ensure you don't miss any important updates.
I HAVE MORE QUESTIONS.
No problem. Email or call us at 512-472-1113.
