A Pre-trial diversion is a program in which a defendant essentially is put on probation for a set period of time and his or her case does not go to trial during that time. If the defendant meets the conditions set by the court, then the charge will be dismissed.
The Pennsylvania Agreement for Pretrial Diversion is a program designed to offer eligible individuals an alternative to traditional criminal prosecution. This agreement allows defendants to avoid the long and potentially costly process of going to trial by completing specific requirements and adhering to specified conditions set forth by the court. Pennsylvania offers several types of pretrial diversion agreements, each with its own specific conditions and requirements. Some common types include: 1. Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD): This is a commonly used pretrial diversion program for first-time offenders charged with non-violent crimes. ARD allows participants to complete probation, community service, counseling, and any other conditions imposed by the court. Upon successful completion, charges may be dismissed, and the individual could have their criminal record expunged. 2. Veterans Treatment Court (VTC): This diversion program is tailored specifically for veterans who have committed non-violent offenses and are dealing with substance abuse or mental health issues. Participants undergo treatment and counseling, attend court regularly, and may be required to engage in community service or job training. 3. Drug Court: Pennsylvania's Drug Court program is designed to assist individuals charged with drug-related offenses who have substance abuse problems. Participants are required to attend counseling, undergo regular drug testing, and comply with treatment plans. Successful completion may result in reduced charges or dismissal. 4. Mental Health Court: This pretrial diversion program targets individuals with mental illness who have been charged with non-violent crimes. Participants must adhere to mental health treatment plans, attend court-mandated therapy sessions, and comply with any other conditions determined by the court. 5. DUI Court: DUI Court is a specialized diversion program for individuals charged with driving under the influence offenses. Participants must complete alcohol or substance abuse treatment, attend counseling sessions, and regularly appear in court. Successful completion may result in reduced charges or license reinstatement. 6. Juvenile Diversion: This program specifically caters to eligible juveniles who have committed misdemeanors or non-violent offenses. Participants must complete counseling, community service, and any other requirements established by the court. Successful completion may result in the avoidance of formal charges or expungement of their records. It is important to note that eligibility for these pretrial diversion programs depends on various factors, including the nature of the offense, prior criminal record, and the approval of the prosecuting attorney and judge. The goal of these diversion agreements is to give individuals a chance to address underlying issues while avoiding the long-term consequences of a criminal conviction.The Pennsylvania Agreement for Pretrial Diversion is a program designed to offer eligible individuals an alternative to traditional criminal prosecution. This agreement allows defendants to avoid the long and potentially costly process of going to trial by completing specific requirements and adhering to specified conditions set forth by the court. Pennsylvania offers several types of pretrial diversion agreements, each with its own specific conditions and requirements. Some common types include: 1. Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD): This is a commonly used pretrial diversion program for first-time offenders charged with non-violent crimes. ARD allows participants to complete probation, community service, counseling, and any other conditions imposed by the court. Upon successful completion, charges may be dismissed, and the individual could have their criminal record expunged. 2. Veterans Treatment Court (VTC): This diversion program is tailored specifically for veterans who have committed non-violent offenses and are dealing with substance abuse or mental health issues. Participants undergo treatment and counseling, attend court regularly, and may be required to engage in community service or job training. 3. Drug Court: Pennsylvania's Drug Court program is designed to assist individuals charged with drug-related offenses who have substance abuse problems. Participants are required to attend counseling, undergo regular drug testing, and comply with treatment plans. Successful completion may result in reduced charges or dismissal. 4. Mental Health Court: This pretrial diversion program targets individuals with mental illness who have been charged with non-violent crimes. Participants must adhere to mental health treatment plans, attend court-mandated therapy sessions, and comply with any other conditions determined by the court. 5. DUI Court: DUI Court is a specialized diversion program for individuals charged with driving under the influence offenses. Participants must complete alcohol or substance abuse treatment, attend counseling sessions, and regularly appear in court. Successful completion may result in reduced charges or license reinstatement. 6. Juvenile Diversion: This program specifically caters to eligible juveniles who have committed misdemeanors or non-violent offenses. Participants must complete counseling, community service, and any other requirements established by the court. Successful completion may result in the avoidance of formal charges or expungement of their records. It is important to note that eligibility for these pretrial diversion programs depends on various factors, including the nature of the offense, prior criminal record, and the approval of the prosecuting attorney and judge. The goal of these diversion agreements is to give individuals a chance to address underlying issues while avoiding the long-term consequences of a criminal conviction.
