Pre Trial Diversion
Breadcrumb
Page Content Portlet
Pre-Trial Diversion Program FAQs
What is Pre Trial Diversion?
Pre-trial diversion is a program that the Solicitor’s Office is offering you in exchange for a dismissal of your charges.
What do I have to do?
The program requires that you may pay a program fee and/or supervision fees (please see Notice of Pre-Trial Diversion for payment instructions). You may also be required to do one or more of the following: complete an evaluation, complete a course of treatment/counseling, perform community service, refrain from the use of alcohol or drugs, submit to random screens, and/or pay restitution.
How will Pre-Trial Diversion benefit me?
If you choose to complete the program, then the Solicitor’s Office will dismiss the charge against you and you may be eligible to have the arrest record restricted from your criminal history.
What is record restriction?
Your record will be restricted if/when the case is dismissed. Your criminal history information will not be available to any private persons or businesses, but the information will be available only to judicial officials and criminal justice agencies for investigative or criminal justice employment purposes only. Additionally, the Clerk's Office and the Sheriff's Department will maintain their own records regarding your case and those are viewable by the public. Upon receiving notification from your Diversion Coordinator of your successful completion, our office will submit a dismissal to the Court and your Criminal History Information will be restricted.
What happens if I don’t complete Pre-Trial Diversion or violate one of the conditions?
If you choose not to complete Pre Trial Diversion or if you violate a condition, then the Solicitor’s Office will proceed with the prosecution of your case. Your new court date will be mailed to you. If you are convicted, then you can be punished for each offense by a fine up to $1,000.00 and a term of imprisonment of up to 12 months in jail. You may be placed on probation and required to pay fines, complete a course of treatment and/or counseling, perform community service, pay restitution, and complete other terms set forth by the Judge. Your record will not be restricted if: you enter a plea of guilty or no contest, or you are found guilty after trial, regardless of the length of time that has passed since that plea or verdict.
What does “Terminate upon Completion” mean?
If “Terminate upon Completion” is a term of your diversion, then your supervision/program is over and will end when you have completed all conditions and provided the proof to the diversion coordinator.
How do I know when I am done with the program?
The diversion coordinator will let you know when you have completed the program. The Solicitor’s Office will submit to the Court a Nolle Prosequi (dismissal) and a copy will be mailed to you.
What happens to my bond?
If you posted a cash bond, then it will be returned to you or the surety after you complete the program and the Nolle Prosequi (dismissal) is filed. If you hired a bonding company to post your bond, then you probably will not receive a refund.
