Diversion and First Offender Options for a Criminal Charge
People charged with relatively low-level crimes, particularly first offenders, may be able to avoid a trial or plea by using a diversion or first-offender program.
Diversion and first-offender programs give defendants a way to avoid criminal convictions.
A "first offender" program is a way for some defendants to avoid the full effects of criminal prosecution. It's a type of diversion, often for those who have no previous criminal record.
Criminal cases aren't like civil lawsuits for money. In civil cases, the parties have more control over the proceedings. Whereas, in criminal cases, the government prosecutor is in charge.
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