ABA Family Legal Guide

Criminal Justice

The Police and Your Rights

Criminal Charges

Once I'm charged with an offense, does it mean that I'll definitely have to go to court?

Not necessarily. Police may place you on diversion, also called supervision. The result of successful completion of a diversionary program is that the charge is dismissed and the person charged has no criminal record. Diversion programs usually are run by the prosecutor's office. A guilty plea may be required as a condition of being placed on diversion in some states. Diversion ordinarily involves your participation in a service program designed to rehabilitate you. For example, some states allow a first-time drug offender to attend a program such as Cocaine Anonymous instead of being tried. In many jurisdictions, diversion is only available for some crimes, such as nonfelonies.