If you find yourself facing a criminal charge in the state of Tennessee, you may be worried about the potential consequences for your life if those charges result in a criminal conviction on your record. Therefore, you may be interested in options available under Tennessee law to avoid a criminal conviction altogether.
Pre-Trial Diversion Programs in Tennessee
Tennessee law provides for pre-trial diversion programs, which are completely at the discretion of the District Attorney General (prosecutor). You might be eligible for pre-trial diversion if you have never gone through a diversion program and are not facing certain types of felony charges. Essentially, the prosecutor and the defense attorney enter into an agreement that delays the prosecution of the charges for up to two years, so long as you comply with certain requirements, such as undergoing substance abuse treatment, staying out of trouble, and paying back any damages that you caused. If you are successful in a pre-trial diversion program, the criminal charges are dismissed, and the records are expunged.
Judicial Diversion Programs
Another potential option for avoiding a criminal conviction in the state of Tennessee is a judicial diversion program. This type of diversion program is similar to pre-trial diversion, except that you must enter a formal guilty plea, and undergo a period of formally supervised probation. Ultimately, the case can still be dismissed and the records expunged, assuming that you complete the probation requirements.
Consult With an Attorney for Advice
If you are charged with a crime under Tennessee law, you will want to consult with a criminal defense attorney at your earliest opportunity. An attorney who is familiar with Tennessee criminal laws and procedures will be able to give you the best advice about your suitability for pre-trial and/or judicial diversion programs, and help you to decide between the programs that are available.
