|
Pre-Trial Diversion
The Pre-Trial Diversion program is an alternative
to prosecution for qualifying offenders. This program is designed
to meet the needs of nonviolent offenders in an attempt to
deter their future criminal or disorderly behaviors. Participants
receive coordinated assistance in educational and vocational
referrals, personal and group counseling , and referrals to
other community agencies appropriate to their needs.
Community Advantages to this program
- Minimize loss to victims of these crimes through payment
of restitution by the offender.
- Serves the courts by reducing the number of less serious
cases, permitting more time for the more serious crimes
- Protect the community by closely supervising the accused
following arrest until final disposition of the case.
Criteria for Participating in this Program
- No felony convictions
- Cannot continue pattern of criminal behavior
- Must be willing to participate in the program
- Must pay restitution when required
- Submit to random drug screens and a substance abuse
evaluation when required.
- Must admit his/her wrongdoing
Selection Process
Qualified participants are referred to the
pre-trial program by an assistant district attorney. The pre-trial
diversion officer screens the case to determine if the defendant
meets the specified criteria and notifies the victim. The
defendant is then sent a letter informing them of the program
and setting up an appointment. At this appointment, the officer
explains the program. If the defendant wants to participate,
the officer explains his/her rights and informed in detail
the conditions of supervision.
Participant's Responsibilities
- Meet monthly with a pre-trial diversion officer.
- Follow payment schedule set up by the officer
- Complete community service assigned to be done at a
non-profit organization to be approved by the officer.
- Attend any required substance abuse, mental health,
gambling evaluation or other community referral as a condition
of the program.
- Submit to random drug screens at the discretion of
the pre-trial diversion officer.
When conditions are completed the participant
is placed on unsupervised supervision until probation period
has lapsed. Then the case is dismissed. Most cases vary on
the length of the probation period, lasting from three months
to twenty-four months depending on the severity of crime.
Pre-Trial Diversion Contacts
James Fontenot - Supervisor
Courthouse Building
300 Iberia St. Suite 200
New Iberia, La. 70560
337-369-4444
Jill Delcambre - Officer
Courthouse Building
300 Iberia St. Suite 200
New Iberia, La. 70560
337-369-4444
Lynette Daigle - Officer
Courthouse Building
Franklin, LA 70538
337-828-4100 ext. 516
|
