How Diversion Programs Work In Criminal Law

If you are currently facing criminal charges for a minor crime, the court that is handling your case may offer you a diversion program. Diversion programs are commonly used by courts because they help them save money and offer an alternative way to punish people who have committed minor crimes. Before you go to court, it might be wise for you to understand what a diversion program is, how it works, and what it may involve just in case the court offers this to you.

What is a diversion program?

A diversion program offers a way for a person to have the criminal charges dropped against them if they complete certain tasks within a certain amount of time. The purpose of this is to eliminate the need for courts to spend time handling these cases, and these programs are typically offered to first-time offenders for crimes that are not extremely serious. Some of the crimes that might constitute diversion programs include petty theft or battery.

How do diversion programs work?

When you are offered a diversion program, the court will give you instructions as to what you need to do for the charges to be dropped. If you do exactly what the court tells you to do within the time frame you are given, you will not have to worry about any other consequences for the crime you are being charged with.

What will you have to do?

There are a variety of different things the court might require you to do with a diversion program, and the requirements are often based on the crime you are being charged with. For example, if you are charged with a battery crime, you may be required to complete an anger management course through an approved counseling center. If the crime was related to drugs, you might be required to attend rehab. For a crime related to theft, you might be required to take a course that teaches the consequences of theft.

In addition, it's also likely that the court will require you to complete community service. You may also need to avoid committing all crimes during the diversion program period, which may be six months or longer.

Failing to abide by all the requirements will land you back in court, and the consequences you receive then are likely to be a lot worse than those involved with your diversion program.

If you are awaiting your court date for a crime you committed, it might be wise for you to hire a criminal lawyer for help. To learn more, contact a criminal law office today. For more information, visit websites like http://www.jdlarsonlaw.com.

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