How is DIVERT different from normal prosecution through Criminal Court?
Ø DIVERT is a diversion and treatment program. Defendants with substance abuse problems are not prosecuted and punished for their addiction. Instead, intensive treatment and rehabilitation is used to help offenders succeed in becoming and remaining drug-free. Ø Participation is voluntary. Ø The judge plays an essential role in monitoring participants’ progress in treatment, supporting positive behavior and dispensing immediate sanctions for non-compliance with Program requirements. Ø The DIVERT team is led by the judge and includes the defense and prosecution attorneys, treatment staff and other court related personnel that understand the recovery process and work together to help clients succeed. Ø The courtroom setting is non-adversarial. Attorneys are generally quiet in Court to allow frequent conversation between the judge and defendant.
