Susan K. Treadaway
District Attorney
Blue Ridge Judicial Circuit
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PRETRIAL DIVERSION
Established in 2017 as an alternative to prosecuting youthful or first-time offenders through the criminal justice system, the Blue Ridge Judicial Circuit Pretrial Diversion Program is designed to deter future criminal conduct, minimize loss to victims through payment of restitution, reduce the number of less serious criminal cases in the court system, and protect the community by closely supervising and monitoring participants.
Through the Pretrial Diversion Program, nonviolent defendants are held accountable for their crimes through a monitored program that includes treatment, life-skills training, and opportunities to correct issues that caused the criminal behavior.
PRETRIAL DIVERSION ELIGIBILITY*
Acceptance into the Pretrial Diversion Program is at the discretion of the District Attorney’s Office. Candidates are eligible for the program if the criminal charge qualifies for diversion and if they meet the following general eligibility criteria:
- Charged with a nonviolent offense.
- No previous felony convictions and not previously sentenced under the First Offender Act, OCGA § 16-13-2, or any other diversion program.
- No more than two prior misdemeanor convictions.
- Not charged with a violation of public trust.
- No continuing pattern of criminal behavior.
- Able to pay full restitution to victim/s at time of entry into the program.
- Able to comply with random drug and alcohol screenings and/or comply with recommended counseling.
- Acknowledgement of wrongdoing.
- Willingness to participate in the program.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Program length and requirements are based on the nature of the charge. All candidates must:
- Enter a plea of guilty to the charge/s but the sentence will be withheld. Upon successful completion of the program, the charge/s will be dismissed and the record restricted.
- Pay applicable administration fees.
- Pay restitution to any victims in the case.
- Perform community service work.
- Waive certain constitutional and statutory rights.
- Pay for and submit to random drug screens.
- Complete classes or counseling as determined by the program coordinator
PROGRAM DOCUMENTS
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Consult the program participant handbook or contact the Pretrial Diversion Coordinator at 770-479-1488 or [email protected].
*See Policy and Procedure Manual for further details on program eligibility
