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What Do Diversionary Programs Consist Of?
Depending on the type of crime you’re charged with, the diversionary program could be anywhere from 1 to 8 p.m. or once a week, for 6-month classes.
Obviously, you’ll be charged for the cost of the class.
You must show up, attend, and participate. For shoplifting in Phoenix, a typical diversion class lasts eight hours. They vary from county to county.
How Would I Know if I Qualify for these Programs?
You won’t! That’s a problem. This is why you need to talk to an attorney.
What’s the Difference Between Diversion and Probation?
For Probation, you could be on supervised or unsupervised probation, have a probation officer, need to check-in, have to pay a monthly fee, and pay for probation.
Then, the judge will impose this probation for a certain amount of time. If you mess up during your term of probation, then they can revoke your probation. After this, you could face whatever penalty under the law is possible.
A diversion program includes suspending prosecution for a certain amount of time, until you finish the diversion program. Then, they just dismiss the case.
If you don’t complete the diversion program, then the prosecutor reinstates it, and you proceed to trial. Depending on your diversion program, you might simply be convicted.
Some diversion programs or diversion plea offers make you admit to the crime. Therefore, if you don’t complete the diversion program, you’re found guilty automatically. After all, you’ve already said you did it.
Would Community Service Be a Factor?
Yes. Certain crimes require community service. This is set up by the probation department.
If I Had a 16-year old Son or Daughter Who Stole Something, Should I consider getting an attorney? Alternately, Should I Teach Them a Lesson?
No! Don’t use the police or the court to teach your kid a lesson, ever!
You must teach your kids lessons, but you can’t utilize the police or the court to do this. Lifelong, unintended consequences could occur. This could affect your child for a long time. For example, this could stop your child from getting a college scholarship or financial aid.
If you don’t hire an attorney, you should consult with an attorney. A lot of unintended consequences could occur that you are completely unaware of.
For more information on Diversion Programs for Theft, a free initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you’re seeking by calling (480) 442-8343 today.