Adult Intervention
OWI Process
ELEVATE HELPS NAVIGATE THE OWI PROCESS
You have recently been convicted of operating while under the influence. Elevate’s OWI program will assist you with:
Obtaining and maintaining your driving privileges
Providing awareness and education while addressing any substance use issues
MOVING FORWARD
Under Wisconsin Administrative Codes, you have been court-ordered to:
Schedule an assessment within 72 hours of your court date
Complete an assessment within 14 days of the court order, or 30 days after the Department of Transportation order
Complete referrals as identified on your Driver Safety Plan
Pay assessment fees
If you are a Washington County resident, your first step is to contact Elevate to schedule your assessment . If you live outside of Washington County, please find the facility for your county here. Failure to complete an assessment will result in non-compliance, the consequence of which is suspension of driving privileges including occupational licenses.
THE ASSESSMENT
An assessment is an interview process designed to explore and address alcohol and/or other drug use. It is mandatory for every person convicted of an operating a vehicle while under the influence (OWI). Most importantly, addressing this issue could eliminate a future offense.
During the assessment, an Elevate specialist will:
Conduct an interview to identify drug and alcohol use habits
Develop a Driver Safety Plan
Any information obtained through an assessment is strictly confidential keeping with Federal Regulation (42 CFR, Part II).
DRIVER SAFETY PLAN
As part of the assessment process, a Driver Safety Plan (DSP) will be developed. This plan will:
Reveal an understanding of drug and alcohol use
Provide education or treatment opportunities
Include referrals to other agencies
Clients are encouraged to contact their referral agency in a timely manner.
ASSESSMENT FEES
You will be charged an assessment fee. Specific fee rates will be shared when you call for your appointment. All fees must be paid at the time of scheduling. If you schedule by phone we will accept credit card payments. If you prefer to pay by cash or money order or via debit, you may do that if you schedule in person at our office.
Failure to show up for your appointment without notice will result in losing the prepaid amount and, you will be required to remit the initial fee again if you wish to reschedule. Personal checks are not accepted.
APPOINTMENTS
A 48-hour notice is required when cancelling or changing appointments. Failure to do so will result in an assessment fee increase.
More information from wisconsin department of transportation
If you have other questions related to the OWI laws in Wisconsin including information on eligibility for occupational licenses, Ignition Interlock Devices, etc. check out their website
““I feel like Elevate is focused on helping people get their life back on track by educating them on ... and the consequences of making decisions while intoxicated.””
Drug treatment court
In partnership with Washington County’s Human Services Department and the Washington County criminal justice system, Elevate coordinates Washington County’s Drug Treatment Court for individuals considered high risk to reoffend and with a high need to address their substance use disorder. Individuals may participate in this program from 12-18 months and are expected to participate in regular staffings with the Drug Treatment Court Team, appear in court regularly, participate in regular drug testing and treatment. This is a voluntary program that accepts referrals through the District Attorney’s office, the Public Defender, Department of Corrections or private attorneys.
Drug Treatment Court Referral Form
Drug Treatment Court Participant Handbook
Treatment Alternatives and Diversion Programs
Washington County currently offers two diversion programs, an OWI and a Drug program. Both support individuals who, because of a substance use disorder, have become involved in the criminal justice system. Both programs emphasize the importance of engaging in a treatment process and developing a sober lifestyle in addition to taking personal accountability and committing to program requirements.
These diversion programs were developed and are now overseen by a group of professionals in Washington County including: the District Attorney’s Office, the Public Defender’s Office, the Washing County Human Services Department, the Department of Corrections, the Washington County Sheriff’s Department and Circuit Court Judges, as well as other community treatment providers and nonprofits.
Both programs are open to residents of Washington County who have been charged with a drug or alcohol related criminal offense in Washington County. The District Attorney’s Office is the agency that makes formal referrals to the program and can offer potential clients the opportunity to participate. All potential clients must complete an assessment at Elevate prior to acceptance into the program. While each program is slightly different, both programs require that clients:
Maintain absolute sobriety.
Engage in the recommended AODA treatment.
Participate in frequent alcohol and drug testing.
Attend individual appointments with their case manager and work on attaining goals supportive of maintained sobriety in a Diversion Case Plan.
Our experience demonstrates that a strong support system, the proper treatment, and coordination of services across multiple systems, assists clients in making long-term behavior change supportive of a sober lifestyle.
Below is a brief description of each program as well as program documents that will further explain the process, program requirements and benefits of participation.
Drug Diversion Program
The Washington County Drug TAD Program is a pre-trial, Deferred Prosecution Agreement (DPA), diversion program for individuals charged with possession of narcotic drugs, methamphetamine, cocaine/cocaine base, or prescription drugs. Program participation typically lasts one year. The program places a strong emphasis on the importance of treatment and assists all clients in accessing treatment to help them stop using. During the duration of the year, clients work with a dedicated case manager to help ensure that they receive necessary treatment services, develop skills to maintain sobriety and receive formal support and coordination of services so that they can focus on their sobriety and build a positive lifestyle. If a client successfully completes the program, their criminal offense may be dismissed, allowing them to avoid a potential felony conviction.
Program Documents:
Program Description
Program Manual
Program Agreements
OWI Diversion Program
The Operating While Under the Influence (OWI) Diversion Program is for individuals with a substance use disorder (alcohol or other drugs) and a current charge for a 2nd or 3rd OWI offense. The program is structured differently depending on whether it is for a 2nd or 3rd offense.
The program for individuals who have received a 2nd OWI offense is built upon a six-month long pre-trial diversion program. Clients will engage in the program as part of a plea agreement. Their sentencing is delayed to give them time to complete the program requirements. Successful completion results in a reduced jail sentence as outlined in the plea agreement.
The program for individuals with a 3rd OWI offense involves a year-long post-sentencing diversion program. Clients who engage in the program receive a reduced jail sentence up front, and then participate in the diversion program as a condition of probation. The Department of Corrections has additional services for clients on supervision for a 3rd OWI offense. In these instances, clients will work with both a TAD Case Manager and a Probation Agent.
Both programs have similar requirements including abstaining from substance use, engagement in AODA treatment, frequent alcohol and drug testing, and weekly individual appointments. Like the Drug Diversion Program, both programs emphasize the importance of treatment and assisting clients in abstaining from substance use. The program also assists clients in making sure they follow through with DOT requirements for their OWI offense so that they can maintain their driving privileges.
We hope that by participating in the program clients can make positive changes in their behavior and avoid future involvement in the criminal justice system.
2nd OWI TAD Program Documents:
3rd OWI TAD Program Documents:
For more information, please contact Elevate Treatment and Diversion Staff at 262-677-2216.
