Criminal cases in New York and New Jersey often follow a complex path, characterized by a significant backlog that can delay justice for months or even years. The judicial system in these states is frequently inundated with cases, leading to prolonged pre-trial detentions and extended wait times for court dates.
The desire to go through the criminal proceedings to prove innocence or have the charges dismissed at trial underscores the importance of exploring alternative avenues that could achieve favorable results more quickly. Plea bargains or diversion programs can serve as lucrative options for defendants seeking to expedite their cases and potentially receive more favorable outcomes. These alternatives can alleviate the burden on the courts while providing a pragmatic solution for those entangled in the criminal justice system.
Diversion programs
At the Law Office of Andy Weinstein, Esq., our law firm understands the complexities of criminal cases and how this could create additional burdens and delays for our clients. As such, our legal team considers the potential for alternatives to trial so we can provide our clients with the best representation possible.
Diversion programs not only help a criminal defendant move through the criminal process more efficiently, but it also provides the opportunity to enjoy more leniency. As such, it is important to consider the available diversionary programs and whether a defendant is eligible for them.
Eligibility
There are three primary diversion programs that are available to first-time offenders of a crime in a certain class. As such, each program has its own standards for eligibility. The first is pretrial intervention, which moves the defendant from the courtroom to a supervised setting. This often includes terms like routine drug testing and paying restitution.
The next diversionary program is conditional discharge. This is offered to those charged with disorderly offenses involving controlled dangerous substances. Finally, the third program is conditional dismissal, which is similar to conditional discharge; however, it involves a disorderly offense that is a nondrug related crime.
Each criminal matter is unique and specific to the person charged. As such, the criminal defense and the usage of diversionary programs should be specific to the defendant. If you are facing criminal charges, a legal professional could help you understand your options and answer questions about defense strategies and diversion programs.