Tarrant County Deferred Prosecution Program for First-Time Offenders

 Posted on February 15, 2026 in Criminal Defense

The Tarrant County Deferred Prosecution Program (DPP) is a diversion program offered by the Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney’s Office for eligible first-time offenders who have been arrested in Tarrant County.

This program allows people who qualify to avoid traditional prosecution by completing a short period of supervision and meeting specific program requirements set by the county.

The Deferred Prosecution Program is meant for individuals who can show they are good candidates for rehabilitation rather than conviction. Successful completion can result in dismissal of charges and eligibility for expunction under Texas law.

Our Tarrant County criminal defense attorney understands the Deferred Prosecution Program and can help argue on your behalf that you are a good candidate in 2026. Call us at 817-222-0624 to learn more in a free consultation.

Who Is Eligible for the Tarrant County Deferred Prosecution Program?

The Deferred Prosecution Program is available only to first-time offenders arrested in Tarrant County who meet strict eligibility guidelines set by the Criminal District Attorney’s Office.

To qualify:

• The applicant must have been between 17 and 26 years old at the time of the alleged offense.
• The applicant must have no prior criminal convictions.
• The applicant must not have previously participated in any diversion, deferred prosecution, or specialty court program.
• The offense must be eligible under program guidelines and approved by the District Attorney’s Office.
• The application must be submitted in person within 90 days of the case filing date.

All applicants must submit a clean, negative drug test prior to admission into the program. Failure to meet any eligibility requirement may result in denial of the application.

Tarrant County Deferred Prosecution Program Requirements and Supervision

Once accepted into the Deferred Prosecution Program, participants enter a limited monitoring period administered by the Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney’s Office.

Program requirements include:

• Completion of an orientation session.
• Compliance with all program rules and deadlines.
• Submission to random drug testing, with all tests required to remain negative.
• Payment of required program fees and submission of all documentation.

The standard supervision period is approximately four months for misdemeanor cases and eight months for felony cases. Restitution requirements, if applicable, must be satisfied before successful completion.

What Happens After You Complete the Deferred Prosecution Program in Tarrant County? 

Upon successful completion of all program requirements, the pending criminal charge is dismissed. Participants become eligible to pursue immediate expunction of their arrest record as allowed under Texas law. This allows qualified first-time offenders to move forward without a permanent criminal record stemming from the arrest.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Deferred Tarrant County’s Prosecution Program 

Who is the Deferred Prosecution Program intended for?

The program is intended for first-time offenders arrested in Tarrant County who meet the age, criminal history, and eligibility guidelines established by the Criminal District Attorney’s Office.

Is a drug test required to participate?

Yes. All applicants must submit a clean, negative drug test prior to acceptance and must continue to test negative throughout the program.

Can participation remove the arrest from my record?

After successful completion, the criminal charge is dismissed and participants may be eligible to apply for expunction under Texas law.

Call a Tarrant County Criminal Defense Attorney

The Tarrant County Deferred Prosecution Program provides qualifying first-time offenders arrested in Tarrant County with an opportunity to avoid the long-term consequences of a criminal conviction. Meeting eligibility guidelines, submitting a clean drug test, and completing all program requirements are all very important. Don’t take chances here – work with someone who knows the system.

Our Tarrant County criminal defense lawyer, Craig Dameron, was recently nominated as a Top Attorney in Fort Worth Magazine. You can benefit from the experience we bring to every case.

Call The Dameron Law Firm for a free consultation at 817-222-0624.