Pretrial Services – Prosecutor’s Diversion Programs

In accordance with provisions of Ohio Revised Code 2935.36, and pursuant to the written standards approved by the Municipal and Common Pleas Courts, the Pretrial Diversion Program is an alternative to prosecution. The goal of the Diversion Program is to reduce the likelihood of future arrests through appropriate interventions, based on thorough assessments tailored to address the risks and needs presented by the offender.  It is designed for the purpose of screening and accepting first-time, eligible offenders, who are charged with certain felony or misdemeanor crimes.

Once a defendant is identified as meeting the Diversion eligibility guidelines, referrals are then forwarded to the courts.  Upon admission to the program by the Prosecutor’s office, the case is then diverted from the judge’s docket to a supervision program.  The program is entirely voluntary and participants must agree in writing to comply with all program requirements established by the prosecutor’s office. The length of participation in the program can range from 3 months up to 3 years dependent upon the defendant’s assessment needs.

The Diversion Unit monitors and reports compliance of all required participation conditions to the prosecutor’s office. If the defendant successfully completes supervision, the case is dismissed and the arrest record is sealed. If the defendant is unsuccessfully terminated from the program, the case will move directly to a hearing before a judge, who will make a finding of guilt for each charge, and the defendant will be sentenced accordingly.

For further information contact:

Maria Karvelas – Program Coordinator

230 E 9^th St #1150, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202