Mistakes are an inevitable part of life. They should be lessons learned, rather than life-altering catastrophes. In Maricopa County, there is an alternative to prosecution. If you are charged with a minor felony or misdemeanor, you may be able to participate in a diversion program to clear the charges.
Individuals who qualify for the TASC diversion program are:
- Those who are faced with a felony drug possession charge(s).
- Those who plead guilty to their charge(s).
- Those who the state believes will benefit from the program and ultimately contribute to the community.
Those who participate in the diversion program and successfully complete it will have their charges either dropped or dismissed with prejudice.
Programs for Charges of Marijuana Possession
If you have been charged with possession of marijuana, which is illegal in Arizona, there is a program for you. All voluntary participants will go through the program for up to six months. They will be offered drug screenings, education, and counseling.
Other requirements of the program include:
- Going through a 3-hour drug education seminar.
- Partaking in substance abuse counseling to address the reasons behind the drug possession.
Programs for Charges of Narcotic or Dangerous Drug Possession
If you were charged with possessing narcotic or dangerous drugs, TASC offers a program that is recognized by the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office. In this program, individuals will receive screening, counseling, education, and self-help. Participants must remain in the program for at least one year.
Other requirements of the program include:
- Sitting through a 3-hour drug education seminar.
- Successfully completing 24 hours of substance abuse counseling.
- Participating in 12-step meetings with AA, NA, CMA, etc., and completing 48 hours of said meetings.
- Keeping monthly contact with an assigned case manager.
Programs for Charges of Misdemeanors
Individuals with minor misdemeanor cases against them may opt to participate in a diversion program rather than face prosecution. In order to qualify for a Behavior-Specific Adult Diversion Program, individuals must:
- Have a charge for which they will likely be convicted.
- Have no previous felony charges.
- Have no misdemeanor charges for at least five years.
- Have no offense that involved physical violence or injury with a victim or anyone else.
- Have no moving motor vehicle charges.
If you or someone you know has been charged with a felony or misdemeanor and are wondering if you might qualify for a diversion program, contact a Phoenix criminal defense attorney at MayesTelles PLLC – we are available 24/7. We can review your case for free so you can learn your legal rights.