Have you been charged with a crime? A pretrial diversion program may be the best option for your case. These programs, which are available in Texas courts, allow accused offenders to avoid prosecution and even have their charges dismissed. In this article, we’ll explain what pretrial diversion programs are and how they work.
What Is Pretrial Diversion?
Pretrial diversion is a type of criminal justice program designed to divert certain defendants away from traditional court proceedings. The goal of a pretrial diversion program is to reduce recidivism (repeated criminal activity) by providing resources such as counseling, treatment, or other forms of rehabilitation that can help accused offenders become productive members of society.
In order to be eligible for a pretrial diversion program, an individual must meet certain criteria set by the court. Generally speaking, these criteria include things like having no prior convictions, being willing to participate in the program’s activities and abide by its rules, and not being charged with a violent offense or any offense involving drugs or alcohol.
Once accepted into the program, the defendant will typically be required to complete certain tasks such as attending counseling sessions or completing community service hours. Upon successful completion of these tasks, the defendant’s charges may be dismissed and they will not face prosecution in court.
How Can an Attorney Help?
Although it is possible for someone to go through a pretrial diversion program without legal representation, many people find it helpful to hire an attorney who can provide guidance throughout the process. A lawyer can help ensure that all requirements for the program are met on time and that all paperwork is filed correctly so that the defendant does not risk being removed from the program due to technical errors. Additionally, an attorney can help prepare witnesses and evidence if necessary and represent their client during any meetings with prosecutors or probation officers related to their case.
Pretrial diversion programs offer accused offenders an alternative way of resolving their cases outside of traditional court proceedings. While there are certain eligibility requirements that must be met in order for someone to qualify for a pretrial diversion program, those who do qualify often find them beneficial because they do not have a criminal conviction on their record once their charges are dismissed upon completion of the program’s tasks. If you think you may be eligible for a pretrial diversion program in Texas courts, contact us today to advise you on your best course of action moving forward.