This is an alternative sentencing program designed to divert first-time, non-violent offenders from the criminal justice system.
Defendants are supervised by the program for 12 months, having to appear in court for an initial hearing and once every three months thereafter. After the initial trial, defendants are supervised monthly by a pretrial service officer.
For certain offenses, defendants are required to comply with educational and work conditions, including full restitution to the victim or owner and participation in community service.
At the end of the program, criminal charges are dropped, and their record may be expunged. A participant who reoffends during the program will lose the right to receive this service. If defendants do not complete the program, the offense will remain on their record, and a traditional court charge will be filed.