What is the DC Diversion Program?

There is not one single DC diversion program; there are several diversion options in certain criminal cases in DC. One of the options would be a deferred prosecution agreement, which is when an individual agrees with the government that rather than go to trial or rather than plead guilty, they will perform community service and maybe some other programs that the government requests and stay out of trouble for a certain length of time. If they successfully do that, the government agrees to dismiss the case.

There is another option called a deferred sentencing agreement. That is when the defendant will actually plead guilty, but rather than be convicted, they complete community service hours and stay out of trouble for a certain length of time. When they come back, they can move to withdraw their guilty plea and the government will then dismiss the case.

There is another option called the STET docket whereby they simply agree to stay out of trouble for some length of time. If they do so then the government will dismiss the case. There are several diversion options that may be available to individuals who do not have a criminal history and are not charged with a serious offense at present.