3 Pretrial Diversionary Programs in Connecticut You Should Know About

 Posted on March 05, 2021 in Criminal Defense

Criminal charges have the potential to change a person’s life forever. Fortunately, the state of Connecticut realizes that many criminal defendants are good people who simply made a mistake. They do not need to be punished; they just need the opportunity to learn from their mistake and live a law-abiding life moving forward. Connecticut offers several diversionary programs that may allow you to avoid a criminal conviction and jail time. If you successfully complete a diversionary program, you avoid going to trial and the charges against you will be dismissed.

Diversionary Programs for Criminal Offenses in Connecticut

During a pretrial diversionary program, an individual who has been accused of a crime must complete certain tasks and/or refrain from certain conduct. If he or she can fulfill the requirements of the program, the charges against him or her will be dropped.

Three of the most common pretrial diversionary programs in Connecticut include:

• Pretrial Family Violence Education Program – This program allows individuals accused of domestic violence to get their charges dismissed. First-time offenders charged with family violence crimes other than class A, B, or C felonies may be granted admission into the program. Class D felony offenders may participate if they can show good cause for why they should be granted admission. The program focuses on educating participants on anger management, communication skills, and nonviolent conflict resolution techniques.  

• Pretrial Alcohol Education Program – If you were charged with driving under the influence or boating under the influence for the first time or you participated in a diversionary program over ten years ago to avoid conviction, you may qualify for this program. To participate, you must undergo an evaluation by a substance abuse professional who will make a recommendation about the type of program you will need to attend. You could be required to attend 15-22.5 hours of intervention programming or therapy sessions.

• Pretrial Drug Education and Community Service Program – If you were arrested for possessing illicit drugs or drug paraphernalia, you may be able to avoid conviction through this program. You will be evaluated by a substance abuse professional and required to attend either 22.5 hours of intervention programming or 15 therapy sessions.

Contact a Fairfield County Pretrial Diversionary Program Lawyer

Stamford criminal defense attorney Daniel P. Weiner and the rest of our team understand that many criminal defendants simply need a second chance. If you were charged with a crime, you may be able to avoid a conviction and jail time by participating in a pretrial diversionary program. The court has discretion when deciding who gets to participate in these programs. To learn more about how you can qualify for a diversionary program, contact the Law Offices of Daniel P. Weiner. Call us at 203-348-5846 for a free, confidential consultation.

Source:

https://www.cga.ct.gov/2016/rpt/pdf/2016-R-0020.pdf