Seattle Seahawks coach Dennis Erickson chose Wednesday to defer his prosecution on drunken-driving charges and begin two years of treatment for his drinking problem.

If he successfully completes the program, which will be closely monitored by probation officers, Snohomish County prosecutors will drop the charges, Everett District Court administrator Lois Eaden said.

The treatment will not interfere with Erickson’s coaching.

“He understands he’s got a responsibility to the community, and also he’s got a responsibility to the team and organization,” Seahawks spokesman Gary Wright said. “And he’s going to meet all those responsibilities.”

Erickson was arrested April 15 near Marysville, about 25 miles north of Seattle, after other drivers reported his erratic driving to police. A breath test measured his bloodalcohol level at .23 percent. The legal limit in Washington is .10 percent.

As part of his agreement with prosecutors, Erickson had to agree he needed treatment, Eaden said.

“I made a mistake,” Erickson said. “I don’t want this to happen again and by going deferred prosecution this will give me the opportunity to ensure it won’t happen again.”

If convicted, he faces one to two days’ mandatory jail time, $350 to $1,000 in fines, and suspension of his driver’s license for up to 120 days.

Erickson appeared Wednesday in court, where Judge Roger Fisher approved and ordered the deferred treatment.