11/06/98
ATHENS, Ohio -- People charged with public intoxication in Athens for the first time can avoid a criminal record if they participate in a new program offered jointly by the Ohio University Police Department and Athens City Police Department.
Those charged with public intoxication now have the option of paying $95 to enroll in the Second Chance program, a 10-hour program of alcohol counseling and community service, according to Ted Jones, director of the Department of Campus Safety.
"Those participating in the program will not have a criminal record if they complete it," Jones said. "Hopefully, going through the program will allow people who have a problem with drinking to confront it."
To participate in the program, those arrested for the first time on a charge of public intoxication must notify Flores and Associates, 11 East Washington St., Athens, and enroll in the Second Chance program within three business days of their arrest. Enrollees have 30 days from the date of arrest to complete the three phases of the program; five hours of counseling at Flores and Associates; a two-hour session presented by university and city police officers and Ohio Department of Liquor Control agents; two hours of community service.
"Program participants will work with local, not-for-profit agencies performing community service," said Lara Trujillo, program coordinator.
Those who complete the program but are arrested a second time for public intoxication will face both charges, Jones said.
"This joint program by the city and the university will focus on helping individuals resolve the need to abuse alcohol while avoiding the ramifications of a criminal record," said city Police Chief Richard Mayer.
The program is open to students and other first-time offenders.