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 a defendant to avoid the full effects of a criminal prosecution. It’s a type of diversion, often for those who have no previous criminal record, or at least no felony convictions.
Can I settle a criminal case with money?
Criminal cases aren’t like civil lawsuits for money. With the latter, the parties have more control over the proceedings.