Ohio Diversion Program
What is a Diversion Program?
Pre-trial diversion programs are programs set up for persons accused of committing criminal offenses in order to give offenders an opportunity to avoid prosecution. These programs vary by county and are generally available for relatively minor offenses, although some programs may be available for felony charges. If you have been charged with a criminal offense, it is important to consult an experienced criminal defense attorney in order to determine whether a diversion program is available in your case.
What are the Benefits of Completing a Diversion Program?
If a person accused of a criminal offense successfully completes a diversion program, the trial court will dismiss the charges against the accused upon the recommendation of the prosecutor. A defendant who refuses to participate in a diversion program or who violates the conditions of the specific program may be prosecuted.
What are the Requirements of a Diversion Program?
Successful completion of a diversion program includes fulfilling various program requirements. These requirements vary between programs and may include payment of a program fee, education classes focused on preventing future offenses, restitution to victims, and submitting to supervision services such as drug testing.
Passing Bad Checks Restitution Program:
In some circumstances, writing checks with insufficient funds to cover those checks is a criminal offense subject to prosecution. Often, persons accused of the offense of passing bad checks (PBC) are offered the opportunity to avoid prosecution by meeting the guidelines of a restitution diversion program. These PBC diversion programs generally require the payment of all money owed to the victim, a program fee, and participation in a course designed to improve the personal financial skills of the accused person. Enrollment in this type of diversion program is not considered an admission of guilt to the crime of PBC and will not result in a criminal record. Instead, upon successful completion of the program, the PBC case will be dismissed.
Real Experiences from Our Clients
Dedicated to Your Defense
-
“I sincerely felt like he had my best interests in mind and worked to get a fair and favorable outcome for me.”- C.M.
-
“As a lawyer I understood the problems facing me when I was cited for OVI. I knew Doug and his reputation, but still had much trepidation about my case. Through the course of his representation he alleviated these concerns and kept me calm.”- R.B.
-
“He really helped me out. I know anyone that needs help with legal problems needs to contact Doug, he’s a life saver.”- W.M.
-
“You took a lot of the stress out of going to court and working around my schedule.”- David A.
-
“For my family, we can count on him whether it is personal or corporate because he is no longer an attorney to our family business but a friend to our family.”- Luke S.
-
“I contacted Doug and he returned my call in a fast timely fashion, answering all my questions and making me feel confident about my case.”- J.E.
-
“So we were confused and disoriented but Mr. Funkhouser was really patient and highly professional every time we called or met with him.”- E.J.
-
“I am certain my life would be in ruins had I hired different attorney.”- M.M.
-
“Doug Funkhouser is one of the most intelligent and personable criminal defense attorneys in Ohio.”- B.G.