Diversion program

A diversion program in the criminal justice system is a form of sentencing and such programs are often run by a police department, court, a district attorney's office, or outside agency designed to enable offenders of criminal law to avoid criminal charges and a criminal record. Problem-solving courts typically include a diversion component as part of their program. The purposes of diversion are generally thought to include relief to the courts, police department and probation office, better outcomes compared to direct involvement of the court system, and an opportunity for the offender to avoid prosecution by completing various requirements for the program. These requirements may include:

• Education aimed at preventing future offenses by the offender
• Restitution to victims of the offense
• Completion of community service hours
• Avoiding situations for a specified period in the future that may lead to committing another such offense (such as contact with certain people)