Diversion Programs Offer a Second Chance to First-Time Misdemeanor Offenders

Most everyone has completed a job application as part of an interview process. The question will usually be asked whether or not the applicant has ever been convicted of a crime other than a minor traffic offense. Unfortunately, many young people in college and elsewhere get into trouble with the law for underage drinking, public intoxication and other minor alcohol-related offenses. To brand them as a criminal and have the conviction follow them for the rest of their life does not seem justified based upon the type of offense committed and the fact that it was a first-time mistake. However, many city prosecution offices offer a pretrial diversion program whereby a defendant charged with a first offense misdemeanor involving minor misconduct is allowed to attend classes and counseling in lieu of a court conviction. Following successful completion of the classes and/or counseling, the prosecutor's office dismisses the charges and no record of conviction goes onto the individual's record. For further information, please visit my web site at www.win-law.com.