PRETRIAL DIVERSION

Pretrial Diversion describes programs outside of traditional case processing that help reduce recidivism and conserve criminal justice resources, either through interventions tailored to a defendant’s  risks and needs or meaningful and timely responses to criminal behavior. Pretrial diversion programs have operated successfully at the federal, state and local levels since the 1960’s, and are a vital part of effective, evidence-based justice systems.

Pretrial diversion helps defendants make significant changes in their lives and prevent further entry into the criminal justice system. For courts, prosecutors, and victims, pretrial diversion offers a meaningful sanction/intervention to criminal behavior and helps systems target court, prosecutorial and corrections resources to cases and defendants where case processing is the more appropriate response.

More about pretrial diversion is available at the links below:

New Diversion Resources  Diversion 101, is a series of articles that offers a framework for understanding diversion. Developed by the Center for Effective Public Policy in partnership with the National Association of Pretrial Services Agencies, Diversion 101 advances the foundational work done in the field of diversion to date and offers a roadmap for planning, implementing, and sustaining research-based diversionary options. Funded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance, the series examines pre-conviction diversion options, provides clarity around their purposes, proposes guiding principles, and explores their public safety and other benefits. You can find the new articles below.