The program’s objective is to address the impact on victims and add proven accountability and fair justice to all involved, including the program participants. We strive to provide successful alternatives to traditional prosecution with a goal of decreasing recidivism and/or repeat offender behavior through key programming, all while addressing issues related to access to employment, education, and housing.
WHAT IS PRE-TRIAL DIVERSION? Pre-trial diversion is an alternative to traditional court prosecution. It allows some first offenders, and low-level offenders with minor criminal histories to complete programming which will impact their future decision-making and provide the necessary counseling to address issues directly related to their charges. Requirements may include in-person or online courses for violations (i.e. anger management, theft courses, or decision and law-making courses), community service, restitution, and/or fines.
WHAT OFFENSES ARE ELIGIBLE FOR PRE-TRIAL DIVERSION IN THE SOLICITOR-GENERAL’S OFFICE? Non-complex and non-violent offenses are eligible for pre-trial diversion (i.e. shoplifting, loitering and prowling, criminal trespass, and possession of marijuana less than an ounce are some examples). Some offenses outside this category with the requisite screening and approval may meet the criteria for pre-trial diversion as well.
WHAT HAPPENS TO MY CASE IF I SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE THE PROGRAM? Individuals who successfully complete our diversion program will have their case fully dismissed and their record restricted.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I FAIL TO COMPLETE THE PRE-TRIAL DIVERSION PROGRAM? An individual’s case will go through the normal criminal justice process with court calendars, including a criminal trial which could have an adverse effect on their criminal record/history.
WHAT IS THE COST OF THE PROGRAM? The participation fee will be determined by the administrator and indigent will be taken into account.
HOW DOES AN INDIVIDUAL ENROLL INTO THE PRE-TRIAL DIVERSION PROGRAM? A referral must be made internally through a prescreened process or through the courtroom referral process. If a case is actively in a courtroom the Assistant Solicitor General assigned to the courtroom must make the referral as a result of an evaluation of the case.
To find more info about your case, contact the Deputy Solicitor General for Diversion and Record Restriction – Lamar Rhodes, or the Program Coordinator Ms. Sekani Crawford. Please send all questions to
SG-Diversion@fultoncountyga.gov.