Diversion Programs as an Alternative to Court

What is a Diversion Program?

The Office of the State Attorney maintains several diversionary programs designed to render speedy justice without involvement in the traditional court system. 

These programs provide victims with a responsive forum to address a loss, to avoid arrest and prosecution of the defendant in appropriate situations, and to bring the case to a conclusion as rapidly as possible in a cost-effective manner.

Diversionary hearings are conducted by specially trained volunteers who serve as mediators or hearing officers. It is a highly technical and professional position with the volunteers administering work hours, restitution, and acting as a referral source in a quasi-judicial atmosphere.

Since their inception, these programs have resulted in thousands of hours of community service and millions of dollars in restitution paid to victims of crime. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Deferred Prosecution

A deferred prosecution is an agreement between someone who is charged with a crime and the State Attorney’s Office. This agreement requires that within a specified period of time, the person charged with a crime will complete all requirements in the agreement. Once those requirements or sanctions are completed and proof of the completion is provided to the State in the time required, the State Attorney’s Office will drop the charges against the accused.

 

How do I get an extension to complete my Deferred Prosecution?

 You may not have an extension of time. Please be sure to have the Deferred Prosecution Sanctions completed by the deadline given.


Who can call to ask Questions about my Deferred Prosecution?

We will only provide answers about your case to you or your attorney. We will only provide answers to you or your attorney once you review the information on this website and still have questions.

I have been required to complete one of the following: Milepost, Anger Management, Substance Abuse Evaluation and Treatment, or

Mental Health Evaluation or Treatment, but I live out of town or out of state. What should I do?

You may complete a similar program or evaluation in your area and provide proof of completion of that program or evaluation and treatment. Contact Milepost through their website (www.acfmileposts.org) or telephone number ((800) 582-2799) to help find one in your area. 

Once I complete the Deferred Prosecution and provide proof of completion to the State Attorney’s Office, what will happen with my case?

If you have no further violations of the law during the deferred prosecution period and have provide proof of completion, the charges against you will be dropped or dismissed by the State Attorney’s Office. The case and charges will still be on your record, however, it will show that the charges against you were dropped. If you would like to have the charges removed completely from your record, you must have the charges expunged. For expunction information, including eligibility, go to: http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/cms/Seal-and-Expunge-Process/Seal-and-Expunge-Home.aspx.

 

When is my Deferred Prosecution supposed to be complete?

You must provide proof of compliance to our office one month before the end of your deferred prosecution period. If you have a four-month Deferred Prosecution agreement, have all proof to our office in three months from the date the agreement was signed. If you have a six-month Deferred Prosecution agreement, have all proof to our office in five months from the date the agreement was signed.

Diversion Programs for ADULTS

Diversion Programs for JUVENILES

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