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
4.9
Based on 201 reviews
Ronald Yee
Ronald Yee
1694793630
Peyrouton Law, LLC. has lifted the writer from a most serious legal issue that could have lead to incarceration as well as a very hefty fine. This attorney took immediate charge and was able to reduce the fine to one-half of the posted amount. Further at the time of first contact, Attorney Alan Peyrouton informed that within three years passing, Expungement would be -in fact- forthcoming.That time has come with Full Grant Of Expungement for which this writer will forever be grateful: a promise made and kept!!This attorney stood by this client and always available for consultation, never adding to the retainer fee paid, which also included the New Jersey State processing charge for expunging.The "Night-Mare" is over and the legal issue is erasedas if nothing happened almost three years ago.One can not go wrong by selecting this Exceptional Law Firm.Exceptional Value, Personal Service, Expertise, Professionalism, Etc. - All: Outstanding!!Respectfully submitted,Ronald Yee- Continuing Client.
Romario Guthrie
Romario Guthrie
1694044337
Depressed, confused, tired, giving up was all I was doing due to my charges I got and had to face until my attorney Alan showed up… my charges was definitely gonna put me away behind close doors and more than likely deported …it took 2+ years of investigations before we’ve heard anything at all .. lawyer Peyrouton called,left messages ,emailed throughout this time until he found a status for my case … by then it was so tense where it’d be federal where it was already pending at the Supreme Court but Alan worked his wonders and got it to the municipal court (don’t ask me how ) lol … (2 charges) he always shows up for court ,keeps me updated on everything as long as he heard any news …at the end of this hectic time of my life ,Alan could of made it possible for 1 of 2 to be dismissed and the other was lowered to a little over nothing charge ….being grateful is an understatement for me cause I surely thought this was the end but with an awesome lawyer that will work in silence but diligently , u can never go wrong ! Thank you again Alan 🫶🏽
zine benyahia hadria
zine benyahia hadria
1694035843
Thanks for your help Mr Allen
Eugene Kong
Eugene Kong
1693412197
Thank you so much, Alan! Alan saved me from getting a felony on my record and I only ended up having to pay court fees. I will be eternally grateful to you, Sir! I recommend this man to anybody who makes a mistake or gets in trouble.
AntRipollJr
AntRipollJr
1693344102
Allen took a case for me that could have had an enormous detrimental effect on my life . I was extremely nervous, but he assured me that with his extensive experience and knowledge, that I had nothing to worry about. He also was very clear to explain the potential and harmful consequences of this infraction. He got my case dismissed. Thank you, Allen!
Jessica Richardson
Jessica Richardson
1693238749
Attorney Alan G. Peyrouton has been a blessing to me. He was able to get my criminal charge dismissed on a first appearance with a low fine. Trust me, it wasn’t easy and he was quick to take on my case. Although my case was a misdemeanor, it still weighed heavy on my career, my reputation and being a divorced / single parent. Thank you Alan for your quick response and handling my case in a quickly matter. Your representation of my truthful character was solid and I will always appreciate you for that!
Orelda Williams
Orelda Williams
1693008599
Alan Peyrouton is a great lawyer. Answer calls and text messages promptly. Cares about his clients and he is a very kind person over all . My experience were awesome I will recommend others to him 😊
Vijay C
Vijay C
1692904964
He is very knowledgeable and polite ,impromptu whenever I called ,texted or meet him for all my doubts . Professional and trustworthy at his work
anup patil
anup patil
1692151094
Very much professional in his work, always approachable and responds quickly to all the calls or messages.Very much knowledgeable and smart to his work . Never took unnecessary charges/ fees .
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