Oklahoma Criminal Programs

.Exploring Options for Programs in Oklahoma’s Justice System

Hello, I’m Oklahoma City criminal defense attorney Gunner Briscoe with Wirth Law Office. I primarily handle criminal cases, and one question I’m often asked is: What programs are available?

Broadly speaking, there are two types of programs:

1. 1. Programs you complete in the Department of Corrections (DOC)—programs done while incarcerated.

 

1. 1. Programs you complete outside of prison—often called diversion courts or treatment courts.

 

Types of Criminal Programs

 

1. DOC Programs (In-Prison Programs)

These include things like:

• • Drug Offender Work Camp (DOWC) or its equivalents,

 

• • Substance abuse classes,

 

• • Cognitive behavioral therapy, or

 

• • Work training programs.

In some cases, you can negotiate or request—often during a blind plea—that your sentence be suspended upon completion of one of these programs. For example:

• • 10 years suspended upon completion of DOWC.
    This means you start serving a 10-year prison sentence, but the remainder is suspended once you complete the program. This option should be discussed with your attorney, especially if the prosecution is seeking prison time.

 

2. Diversion or Treatment Court Programs (Out-of-Prison Programs)

These are the programs most people prefer, as they avoid incarceration. Diversion and treatment courts are essentially the same thing, though availability depends on the county.

Examples in Oklahoma County include:

• • Misdemeanor Diversion Program – Partnered with the Diversion Hub. It’s a 90-day program with intake, assessment, and a plan to follow. Successful completion results in dismissal of your case at no cost.

 

• • Drug Court / DUI Court – For individuals dealing with substance abuse or misuse.

 

• • Mental Health Court – For those with mental health challenges. Focuses on medication compliance, counseling, and treatment.

 

• • Remerge – Exclusively for women with minor children, aimed at treatment and reunification while avoiding prison.

 

Eligibility and Benefits

 

How Eligibility Is Determined

 

• • The process begins with an offender screening (also called a treatment court screening), often done by NorthCare in Oklahoma County.

 

• • The screening generates a report outlining program eligibility, risk assessment, and recommendations.

 

• • The district attorney makes the final decision, though your attorney can advocate for acceptance or appeal a denial.

 

Benefits of Diversion or Treatment Court

 

• • No incarceration.

 

• • Successful completion usually results in dismissal of charges.

 

• • Other negotiated benefits may be available.

However, entry into the program does not make the case go away—you must follow all program requirements and successfully complete them for the benefits to apply. Wirth Law Office is here to help with any criminal case and to discuss potential program eligibility.

Contact Us for a Low-Cost Consultation

If you have questions about your options or need guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out. Call Oklahoma City misdemeanor defense attorney Gunner Briscoe at 405-888-5400 for a low-cost consultation!