The DAGP Program was developed as an alternative form of accountability to conviction and incarceration. The program increases public safety as many participants access a range of community resources which decrease the probability of criminal offending as well as other related problematic behaviors (e.g. substance abuse). By diverting first-time, low-risk individuals and those with less serious criminal allegations to more appropriate behavioral health and human services programs, prosecutors are able to reduce docket pressure and focus limited resources on more serious cases which are more likely to impact public safety.

Through the DAGP Program, the community avoids spending tax dollars on hearings, trials, and incarceration for eligible participants without having to sacrifice public safety. Likewise, long‐term research suggests that prevention efforts such as connecting individuals to behavioral health and human services when needed make communities safer.

Primary Program Purpose:

• Reduce recidivism
• Preserve limited resources in the Criminal Justice System
• Provide support and services for behavioral, mental health, and substance abuse needs

• Participants must be 17 years of age or be waived from juvenile court jurisdiction.
• Participants must have no or limited criminal record.
• Participants sign an agreement with the District Attorney’s Office, that is approved by the Court, that may include various required programming.
  • Examples of programming include, among others, anger management courses, random drug testing, and substance abuse counseling.
• Participants must remain offense free and compliant with all bond conditions and terms of the agreement for the duration of program.
• The length of the agreement depends on the nature and seriousness of the offense, participant attitude, commitment, and educational or counseling needs.
  • Agreements average 6 to 36 months.
  • Termination of the agreement resumes criminal court proceedings.  This may result in criminal convictions and a criminal record.
• Participants pay a program fee of $300.00.
  • Payment is accepted in the form of credit or debit card, exact cash, money order, or cashier's check payable to "DA Trust Fund." No personal checks are accepted.
  • In person payments may be made at the District Attorney's Office or deposited in the dropbox outside the Government Center.
  • Payment in the form of money order or cashier's check may be sent through the mail to the District Attorney's Office. Please do not send cash payments through the mail.
  • Include your full name and note the payment is for the DAGP Program.
  • Physical and mailing address:

  District Attorney's Office
  721 Oxford Ave, Suite 2570
  Eau Claire, WI 54703

  

• Participants are offered the opportunity to avoid criminal conviction altogether or reduced charges as well as the collateral consequences of having a criminal record such as:
  • Reduced employment opportunities
  • Restrictions on housing and financial resources
  • Disrupted involvement in family activities (e.g., volunteering at their child’s school)

Deferred adjudication programs have proven to be an efficient and effective way of dealing with offenders who are ready to change their behavior. Particularly now that the collateral consequences of conviction have become so numerous and severe making it harder than ever for people with a criminal record to establish themselves as law-abiding members of the community.