Diversion in Colorado’s 12th Judicial District

Eligibility:

Eligibility for diversion in the 12th Judicial District is determined by the District Attorney's office and can vary based on the type and severity of charges, criminal history, and other factors. 

Program Components:

Diversion programs may include participation in drug or alcohol treatment, mental health services, anger management, or restorative justice practices. The Center for Restorative Programs (CRP), pictured above, aids the District Attorney’s Office with the facilitation of restorative practices in an attempt to decrease crime recidivism rates. CRP primarily handles diversion for juvenile offenders; however, adult cases are occasionally deemed eligible for diversion through CRP. The Center for Restorative Programs practices three different diversion mechanisms, which exist as Rethinking Substances, Traffic Circle, and Victim Offender Circle.

Goals:

The overarching goals of diversion are to rehabilitate individuals, prevent future criminal behavior, reduce the strain on the traditional court system, and, most importantly, decrease crime recidivism rates. Diversion serves to rehabilitate individuals while recognizing harms and restoring equity as much as possible through a safe and trauma-responsive process.

Success:

If participants successfully complete the diversion program, the charges against them are typically (not always) dismissed, and they avoid the long-term consequences of a criminal conviction.