ALTERNATIVES TO PROSECUTION
Frequently first offenders and certain drug abuse offenses are eligible to avoid pleading guilty or no contest my entering in to a pretrial program which, if completed successfully, will result in dismissal of charges.
Pretrial Diversion
Pretrial Diversion is a diversionary program run by the State Attorney's Office and is usually reserved for first time, nonviolent offenders.
Diversion is like probation, only it does not require a person to plead guilty or no contest. Once accepted into the program you must report to a supervising officer, undergo random drug testing, complete community service hours, and not become involved in any other crimes.
If diversion is successfully completed you may be eligible to have the charges dismissed and your record sealed and or expunged.