If you are facing criminal charges for the first time in Plano or anywhere else in Collin County, certainly you’re hoping to beat your charges, and if that doesn’t happen, you’re hoping to minimize the consequences of a conviction as much as humanely possible.
If the odds are stacked against you; for example, if you were caught “red handed” or the police have a strong case, then you’ll be interested in learning about Collin County’s Diversion Program.
According to the Collin County District Attorney’s Office, “The program is an alternative to prosecution that offers an offender a chance to avoid a criminal conviction and other punitive sanctions, including fines, probation, and incarceration.” Doesn’t that have a nice ring to it?
What is Diversion Exactly?
Collin County’s program is strictly voluntary; it was created for certain offenders who have been charged with a criminal offense. Under the Government Code, Section 76.011, if a qualifying offender completes the program, he or she may avoid prosecution and a conviction for their criminal charge.
The offenders in the program are referred by law enforcement officials and prosecutors throughout Collin County. However, offenders who have committed the following crimes will not be accepted into the program:
- Driving while intoxicated (DWI) crimes
- Domestic violence
- Sex-offender-related crimes
- Violent crimes
Note: Some exceptions apply, but they must be approved by the Diversion Prosecutor.
For example, if an offender committed a theft-related crime, or a drug-related crime, trespassing, or a property crime, he or she may qualify for the Diversion Program. The offender cannot have any prior convictions for violent misdemeanors, or any prior felony convictions.
If the offender is 25-years-of-age or younger and has a juvenile record that indicates he or she has a history of not respecting criminal laws, the offender may not be allowed to participate in Diversion based on their criminal record.
Are you interested in learning more about the Diversion Program? If so, contact our firm to schedule a consultation with a top-rated Plano criminal defense lawyer!