The primary stages involved in processing a criminal case are summarized below to help you understand what happens when a person is accused of a crime.
Not all cases go to trial. The reduction of charges or dismissal of some counts in an existing case occurs from time to time. This procedure, which is called plea negotiation, plays an important part in the criminal process. As a case develops, certain facts may be discovered that require the reduction of charges against a defendant. In some instances, it is because things not known at the time of charging are brought to light; sometimes it is because evidence or statements made by the defendant thought to be available at the trial are not available; sometimes important witnesses cannot be located. In any event, when plea negotiation is used, it is only after a careful determination that justice is best served. DIVERSION In Some criminal cases the defendants are allowed to apply for a diversion. A diversion program in the criminal justice system is a form of sentence in which the criminal offender joins a rehabilitation program, which will help remedy the behavior leading to the original arrest, allow the offender to avoid conviction and, in some jurisdictions, hide a criminal record. Criminal charges are typically dropped when a defendant successfully completes a diversion program. Please review eligibility requirements and guidelines here before submitting the diversion application along with the $25 money order. To apply for diversion on a criminal offense please follow the link below: Criminal Diversion Application *** Please Note*** CDL Licensed drivers are NOT eligible for diversion in any situation.
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