Many ordinary people in Essex County make mistakes that can land them in a New Jersey criminal court.
Those who have never faced a criminal charge before may be intimidated by the process, and they may also worry about fallout from having a criminal conviction on their records.
Thankfully, like many other states, New Jersey courts use different diversionary programs to move people whom authorities deem to be low risk through the justice system quickly.
Participating in one of these diversionary programs involves a trade-off. The accused at least informally agrees to the charge and participates in treatment or other programs.
If the accused stays out of further criminal trouble and follows the rules of the diversionary program, they will end the case without a criminal conviction on their records.
Some of the offenses that make a person eligible for a diversionary program include drunk driving, charges related to simple drug possession, certain offenses involving weapons and some more minor accusations of assault or battery.
By contrast, diversionary programs are usually not available for more serious charges, including charges that could involve time in jail. Diversionary programs are also usually closed to people who have a criminal conviction on their record or who have participated in a diversionary program before. There are exceptions.
A person interested in a diversionary program will want to know their rights
While being offered diversion is usually a good deal, the decision to participate should not be taken lightly. For one, not completing the program successfully could mean facing a criminal conviction and not having many options for avoiding it. Also, getting into a diversionary program is never automatic.
A person interested in a diversionary program should make sure they fully understand this option.