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Diversion Programs in Broward County, FL

Each of the twelve (12) diversion programs in Broward County, FL, come with different pros and cons. The biggest advantage of entering a diversion program is assuring that the case will be diverted away from the criminal court system. Another advantage of the diversion program is that if you complete the special terms and conditions then the charges be ultimately dismissed. After the charges are dismissed, you might be eligible to expunge the criminal and prosecution record entirely.

An attorney can help you understand the criminal charges against you, the best ways to fight the case, and the pros and cons of entering diversion. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Diversion Programs in Florida

People call us with a number of questions about the programs. The most frequently asked questions include: 

• Should I agree to diversion or fight for an outright dismissal of the charges?; 
• Can my case be resolved by filing a motion to suppress or a motion to dismiss the charges?
• I’m innocent, will I have to admit to wrongdoing to be accepted into a diversion program? 
• I have a prior record, will I still qualify for a diversion program in Broward County?
• How long does it take to complete the program and how can I speed up the process as much as possible; 
• What will my employer do after the case is resolved?
• Will the case impact the license I have to practice in my chosen profession?
• What if I am not initially accepted into the diversion program because of my prior record or because of the allegations in my case?
• What do I do after being rejected from the diversion program because I didn’t complete the required conditions or because of a new arrest?
• Can you help me seal or expunge the criminal record after the charges are dismissed?

Fighting the Charges for an Outright Dismissal Before Trial

The best result in these cases is getting an outright dismissal, especially for a first time offender with no prior record. The outright dismissal without agreeing to diversion is particularly important for professional who are worried about their job or maintaining a license to continue in their choose profession.

Certain types of professionals are particularly impacted by the indirect consequences of entering diversion including teachers and certified educators, nurses and health-care professionals, lawyers, members of the military and employees of law enforcement agencies.

Fighting for an outright dismissal might also be faster because long periods of supervision are typically required before you can complete the diversion program. The better result for many of our clients is fighting for an outright dismissal of the charges.

Twelve Types of Diversion Programs in Fort Lauderdale, FL

The Office of the State Attorney, through Michael J. Satz, State Attorney of the 17th Judicial Circuit in Brossard County manages 12 different diversion programs located through the county.

The diversion programs in Fort Lauderdale and the surrounding areas require supervision on a voluntary basis to complete special conditions which vary depending on the facts of the case and the criminal charges. Those special conditions can include counseling, classes, educational programs, paying full restitution and community service. If the special conditions are completed and no other law violations occur during the period of supervision, then the State Attorney’s Office will decline to prosecute the case.

The diversion programs in Broward County and Fort Lauderdale, FL, including the following:

• Felony Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI)
• Misdemeanor Diversion Program (MDP)
• DWLS Diversion Program
• Domestic Violence Misdemeanor Diversion Program
• Juvenile Diversion Programs
• Juvenile Drug Court

Different agencies and organizations in Broward County manage the supervision required to complete these programs. For example, the Felony Pre-Trial Intervention Program (PTI) involves supervision by the Florida Department of Corrections (DOC). The Misdemeanor Diversion Program (MDP) involves supervision by the Broward Sheriff’s Office Probation for the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit.

Additional Resources

Diversion Programs in Broward County, FL – Visit the website of the Office of the State Attorney, Michael J. Satz, State Attorney for the 17th Judicial Circuit in Broward County, FL. Find out more about the eligibility requirements for 12 different diversion programs for misdemeanor, felony and juvenile accusations.

Drug Diversion Programs in Broward County – Visit the website of the Broward Sheriff’s office to learn more about diversion programs for drug court. The Pre-Trial Intervention Program in Fort Lauderdale was originally designed as an alternative to traditional incarceration for first-time, non-violent criminal offenders charged with substance abuse related offenses including the purchase or possession of a controlled substance. The Diversionary Treatment Program (DTP) is funded by grant money and designed to divert adjudicated felons with substance-related conditions from returning to prison. Both of the drug diversion programs in Broward County require a minimum of twelve months of treatment.

Probation Division for Diversion in Broward County – Visit the website of the Broward Sheriff’s Office to learn more about the probation division. The Probation Division of the Broward Sheriff’s Office’s supervises the Misdemeanor Diversion Program for “first-time offenders”. The diversion program requires a minimum of three (3) to six (6) month supervision period depending on the type of charge. After the program is successfully completed, the criminal case is dismissed. The probation offices are located in Fort Lauderdale, Deerfield Beach, Hollywood, and Plantation, FL. 

Finding an Attorney for Diversion Programs in Broward County, FL

The attorneys at Meltzer & Bell represent clients throughout Broward County on a variety of felony and misdemeanor charges.

If you need more information about any felony or misdemeanor case. We fight to help our clients obtain the best possible resolution in their case which sometimes includes a dismissal after completing a diversion program in Broward County, FL. With offices conveniently located at 400 SE 9th Street in Fort Lauderdale, FL, we can help you. 

The attorneys at Meltzer & Bell represent clients throughout Broward County and the cities of Fort Lauderdale, Deerfield Beach, Hollywood, and Plantation, FL. Call (954) 765-6585 for a free consultation to discuss the criminal charges pending against you, the pros and cons of entering a diversion program, and ways to protect your career after a criminal accusation.

This article was last updated on Thursday, October 20, 2016.