Diversionary Programs

Arraignment

Diversionary Programs - Overview

Diversionary programs will allow you to avoid criminal prosecution.

The purpose of each program is to “forgive” you once for your mistake. That’s right, you don’t get two bites out of the apple.

New Jersey’s criminal code recognizes that people aren’t perfect. 

If you get arrested on a first offense, you have a way to keep your record clean.

Diversionary Programs - Eligibility

Different diversionary programs exist for different types of crimes.

  • Pretrial Intervention is for the most serious criminal charges; &
  • Conditional Dismissal is for the least serious criminal charges; &
  • Conditional Discharge is for the least serious drug charges.

To be eligible, you must be a New Jersey resident without a prior conviction.

We will discuss each program & the eligibility requirements below.

Diversionary Programs - Process

The process is simple if you don’t complicate it. What do we mean?

Well, if you get accepted into a diversionary program, make sure that you comply with all of the terms of your probation. If you violate the conditions, you will find yourself back to square one (with open charges). You complicated everything by wasting a golden opportunity. Keep it simple, comply, and move on.

It’s basically a 5 step process.

Please refer to the chart below as we go along.

Step 1 – Apply – Make sure that you complete the application & pay the filing fees. Attend your interview. Don’t blow it off!

Step 2 – Get Accepted – If you don’t get accepted, it’s either because your charges are way too serious or you have a prior record.

Step 3 – Meet All Conditions – If you are not allowed to smoke weed, by all means, do not smoke weed. You will get drug tested & if you test dirty, it’s all over. Attend all appointments with your probation officer. Pay all fines, penalties, and restitution.

Step 4 – Go To Court – At the end of your diversionary term, you need to return to court to get your charges “formally dismissed”. This means that the judge will officially & legally make a record that your charges have been dismissed.
It’s like the whole thing never happened.

***The biggest mistake you can make is never showing up to your last court appearance. Your criminal charge stays open and will appear on a background search. All of your work would be a waste.

Step 5 – Expunge The Arrest – Yes, you never got a criminal conviction, but the record of your arrest is alive and well. If a background check is run, your arrest record will pop up. The final step in the entire diversionary process is to expunge your record.

This program is available for indictable (felony) offenders with no prior criminal history. Typically lasting 6 months to 3 years, the program is an alternative to prison time and acts as a period of probation. Charges are dismissed after successful completion of the program.

Learn More

Our Complete Guide on PTI is a great resource!

Or take advantage of our free consultations to meet with us.

If you are facing misdemeanor or disorderly persons offenses, this is the program that you would apply for.
If your misdemeanor charges will be heard in Municipal Court, you can rest assured that you’re facing “minor criminal charges”.

This program is used the most for Simple Assault, Terroristic Threats & Harassment charges.

The Conditional Dismissal Program can typically last for one year.

Learn More

Our Complete Guide on PTI is a great resource!

Or take advantage of our free consultations to meet with us.

If you are facing misdemeanor or disorderly persons CDS charges, this is the program that you would apply for.
If your drug charges will be heard in Municipal Court, you can rest assured that you’re facing “minor drug charges”.

This program is used the most for Marijuana Possession charges.

The Conditional Discharge Program can last from 6 months to 3 years. 

Learn More

Our Complete Guide on PTI is a great resource!

Or take advantage of our free consultations to meet with us.

Final Thoughts - Is a Diversionary Program The Way To Go?

As you have read, if you have been arrested & charged with a crime, there is a way out.

Diversionary programs are “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunities & should not be wasted.

If you have a strong defense, you may consider fighting the charges & preserving your right to use a diversionary program down the road.

We understand that no one plans on getting arrested a second time.

But consider this: If you use your conditional discharge on a marijuana charge when you’re 20 years old, you won’t be allowed to use PTI for a more serious charge when you’re 45.

If you were the victim of an illegal search, why should you waste your get-out-of-jail-free-card?

Meet with us for free & let’s discuss your options.

Our Experience

You or a loved one have been arrested. Understandably, you are terrified & have a lot of questions. You’ve heard about plea bargains & probation, but the process is overwhelming. You want a local attorney near you to represent you.

Mr. Peyrouton is from Ridgewood & handles all types of criminal matters in New Jersey complex as well as nearby cities. The New Jersey Law Journal recently published one of his articles on the subject of criminal law.

How We Can Help

Regardless of the criminal charges you are facing, we are here to defend & protect you. Whether you are facing a restraining order, drug charge, theft charge, or aggravated assault charge, we are here to help you. Even a DWI case can really complicate your life.

If we can’t get your charges dismissed, we can either get them downgraded or place you in a diversionary program. The point is, our criminal defense lawyers will fight tirelessly to get you the best result possible. Take advantage of our free consultation to see how we can help.

Our Practice Areas

Below, you will find a few of our practice areas.

Areas We Serve

Our Hackensack criminal lawyers represent clients in Bergen County & nearby counties & cities. 

Get Help With Your Case

How Do Your Free Consultations Work?

There are plenty of excellent Hackensack criminal lawyers in our area. Most, if not all of them, offer free, 20-minute, consultations. However, our free consultations do not have a time limit. You will never feel rushed.

The best way for us to help you is to patiently listen to your side of the story. Your version of events will serve as the basis for your legal defense. It is during these initial meetings that your memory of the event is fresh in your mind. Why we would rush you during such an important aspect of your case.

We understand that your choice of attorney could mean the difference between your freedom and spending years behind bars. 

When you hire an attorney, you are entering a long-term relationship. For this reason, it is important that you feel comfortable with the team of Hackensack criminal lawyers that will represent you.

What our clients say about us

Peyrouton Law
5.0
Based on 180 reviews
Nwe Tun
Nwe Tun
01:06 13 May 23
I didn't have to worry a thing abt my speeding ticket. Mr. Peyrouton took care of everything. He explained and answered my questions. I am happy with his service.
J Bean
J Bean
23:31 20 Apr 23
Natalia K.
Natalia K.
02:17 20 Apr 23
Absolutely amazing!!! Great communication from him and was on top of everything from the court date to the timing. Answered any questions I had and was very professional, patient, and understanding. Couldn’t ask for anyone better! Definitely would recommend his services to everyone I know. Thank you for everything Peyrouton Law!
Danya C.
Danya C.
15:05 15 Apr 23
Alan does amazing work, very professional and very communicative with me. Highly recommend! He’s also familiar with the judges and prosecutors in the courtrooms so that’s a plus! I wanted to thank you Alan for your knowledge regarding my matter.
Ava Cabrera
Ava Cabrera
15:25 03 Apr 23
This my main man everything he say be factz when he step in court room lawyers and judge already know who he is he don't be thirsty for money he be genuinely trying help people out all good vibes ......and I had other lawyers and I can't say the same for them
jemsley canela
jemsley canela
23:10 22 Mar 23
Lauren Serrano
Lauren Serrano
19:45 04 Mar 23
Extremely professional, on time, and responds immediately with any questions or concerns I had. Exceptional lawyer!
John B.
John B.
01:36 10 Feb 23
I met Alan and right off the bat I knew he was a straight shooter........I was facing alot of time and he didn't sugar coat my worst outcome and best outcome for hiring him to defend me.He was very reasonable priced and answered all my questions even if I repeated myself.All the way upto my court date he was responsive to all my calls and concerns. Other lawyers wanted outrageous fees and would tell me what i wanted to hear. Alan isn't like that at all. Not only was my case dismissed but he gave me great life advice. He is a true definition of a scholar and a gentleman!!!!!
Geselle Linares
Geselle Linares
21:31 22 Jan 23
I just wanted to get on here and say how amazing Alan is. He is very friendly and professional. He took care of everything and thankfully I did not stress one bit. Every time I had a question he was sure to answer within a reasonable time. If anyone is thinking about hiring him do not hesitate to contact him or his team!
Rosales Karen
Rosales Karen
03:24 18 Dec 22
Exelente abogado merece más de 5 estrellas una persona seria humilde el abogado alan es bien educado habla español trata de lo mejor A sus clientes exelente persona 😄 ✌
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