Consult the program participant handbook or contact Nada Paisant, the Pretrial Diversion Coordinator, at 770-479-1488 or [email protected] *See Policy and Procedure Manual for further details on program eligibility WHERE METRO MEETS THE MOUNTAINS
Full Answer
Judge Nicholas Chu will monitor the unfiled case, who will set status conferences at the 3, 6, and 12-month mark to monitor compliance and for the ACA’s to determine program completion.
The court leads will review applications, and the Assistant Director will review denied applications as necessary and as requested by defense counsel.
Participants agree to have their case set 6 months out. At this setting, defense counsel is responsible for showing compliance with the program requirements, for example, bringing certificates of completion, securing proof of compliance with monitoring devices from pretrial, etc.
Driving While Intoxicated cases that are currently unfiled will be eligible for a pre-file DWI diversion program. Class B and no collision/single-car collision cases will automatically qualify for review. Total refusal and individuals with minimal criminal history will also be considered. DWI 2nd cases and cases with a BAC over .20 are not eligible for this program. All other DWI’s will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Our pre-trial diversion program is an important part of our office. The program is an alternative to prosecution, which seeks to divert certain non-violent offenders from traditional criminal prosecution into a program which focuses on rehabilitation and supervision.
Third step: Based on the interview, the director will create a case plan for the applicant which, based on the interviewer, may include regular drug testing, counseling, educational attainment, career building requirements, and restitution.
Participants who successfully complete the program will have the charges against them dismissed and avoid potential prison time and the life-time repercussions of a felony conviction.