South Texas College launched a program that gives people convicted of driving while intoxicated a chance to get their cases dismissed by earning a degree or certification.

The college partnered with the Hidalgo County District Attorney's Office and the 275th District Court to make it happen. The goal is to enroll 10 DWI offenders in classes at STC.

Ten people have already enrolled in the pilot program and 10 more defendants will enroll by the end of this month.

One man says a single night of drinking in October 2024 cost him an eight-year career.

"I got terminated," he said.

Channel 5 News chose not to reveal his identity as he works to get his DWI case dismissed and expunged from his record.

"Going through this new route, the construction management I'm attending here at STC, opportunities can arise elsewhere," he said.

To qualify, offenders must not have caused someone's death in their case. The district attorney will review each candidate and decide if a person can attend school instead of completing community service.

"Then the judge will dismiss their cases, and so that will make them eligible for expungement," STC Director of External Affairs Olivia Tamez-Gomez said.

Hidalgo County District Attorney Terry Palacios said the program can also help eliminate education barriers.

"Its good for the community. We have a certified plumber or a certified HVAC guy that's not going to get in trouble. That's going to help their community. Let's value these people," Palacios said.

Once a student graduates, STC says it will work with employers, business owners and human resource directors to connect students to jobs.

"And not write somebody off just because they have a former conviction," Tamez-Gomez said.

People interested in the program can speak with their probation officer or judge to find out if they can apply.

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