What Is Pretrial Diversion?

In 2013, Bexar County launched a pretrial diversion program that provides another option for young adults charged with nonviolent crimes.

Through pretrial diversion, a district attorney (D.A.) will be able to choose to remove a case from the criminal justice system and present a separate deal for the rehabilitation of certain alleged offenders. If a defendant does everything required by the pretrial diversion program, the D.A. will dismiss the case entirely.

That means no criminal record and no collateral consequences. In fact, after successful completion of pretrial diversion, a criminal defendant will be able to tell prospective employers that he or she was never charged with a crime.

Learn more about pretrial diversion and what it could mean for you or your child by contacting experienced Bexar County defense attorney Patrick L. Hancock. Contact him online or call 210-223-8844 for a prompt response.

What Are the Benefits of Pretrial Diversion?

Young people facing criminal allegations for the first time have much more to worry about than the amount of time they could spend in jail. Among other things, a criminal conviction on a young person’s record could make it difficult for him or her to:

  • Find a job
  • Rent an apartment
  • Apply for student loans and other government benefits
  • Receive college/university scholarships
  • Purchase a firearm
  • Plea down future criminal charges

Pretrial diversion is not an “alternative sentence” — it is a way to take a young, first-time offender out of the criminal justice system entirely. When done successfully, pretrial diversion means no criminal record and none of the above, lifelong consequences.

Contact Bexar County Criminal Defense Attorney Patrick Hancock

Have you or your child been charged with a misdemeanor crime for the first time? Learn about pretrial diversion and defense options by contacting Patrick L. Hancock, a Bexar County criminal defense lawyer with more than 25 years of experience and a proven track record of success. Call 210-223-8844 for a free and confidential consultation.