Michigan Criminal Lawyers Blog
What is a Diversion Program?
A diversion program is a type of probation for people who are first time offenders for various crimes. When people enter a diversion program, they are typically expected to complete a specific style of probation that is tailored to their specific situation and crime. If they are successful in completing the diversion program probation, then the case is dismissed or made non-public in some way. Many diversion programs are centered around cases that involve drugs and alcohol. But did you know there are diversion programs that help veterans and people with mental health issues? There is even a diversion program for first time domestic violence offenders and for youths under the age of 21 who accused of committing a wide range of crimes.
A list of diversionary programs in Michigan includes the following:
• MCL 333.7411 – commonly known as “7411,” this is a first-time drug offender program for various drug possession convictions. You can use a 7411 at any age, and it is possible to be granted 7411 more than once in your life, although it is uncommon.
• MCL 769.4a – commonly known as “4a,” this is a first-time domestic abuser program that seeks to curb and prevent any future acts of domestic violence. People in this program are monitored closely and are typically required to attend one anger management class per week for at least a year in order to successfully complete probation.
• Holmes Youthful Trainee Act – commonly known as “HYTA,” this is a first-time offender program for people between the age of 17 and 21. A wide variety of crimes can be sentenced under HYTA, which will result in your record remaining clean if you successfully complete probation.
• Veterans Court – This is a specific probation that seeks to help veterans who are battling various addiction issues and issues related to PTSD from their time serving our country. The main issue here isn’t keeping a criminal record clean necessarily but helping our veterans when they have found themselves in the criminal justice system. Veterans court helps veterans stay clean, as well as find housing and employment.
• Minor in Possession of Alcohol – commonly known as “MIP,” this is a program designed for those under 21 who have been caught drinking or otherwise possessing alcohol.
Note: These are not all of the diversionary programs that are available. Different courts have different programs that can be beneficial to you and your case. If you have a question about a diversionary program, it is important to seek the advice of an experienced criminal defense attorney.
Michigan Supreme Court Report
The Michigan Supreme Court released a report detailing the statistics and successes of various diversionary programs throughout the state of Michigan. Unemployment among those who have successfully completed drug court probation dropped by a whopping 98%. Unemployment among veterans in veterans court also dropped by an equally impressive 87%. While these diversionary programs can and are typically more intensive and difficult, they can be rewarding for many in helping them achieve balance and peace in their lives. There are nearly 200 diversionary programs that exist around the state of Michigan that are focused on drugs, mental health, and veteran’s treatment and monitoring. These courts focus on trying to help people stay out of jail and not become repeat offenders in the criminal justice system.
Any Further Questions?
If you or a loved one has been charged with a crime or being investigated for one, then it is important to speak to an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately. At Grabel & Associates, our attorneys have over 100 years of combined experience in successfully defending criminal cases all over the state of Michigan. This experience extends not only to adult cases, but also to juvenile charges. We are not a general practice firm. We are a team of criminal defense attorneys; it’s all we do. We offer a FREE consultation to anyone with questions relating to a possible or existing criminal charge against them or a loved one. Feel free to contact us on our 24/7 defense line at 1-800-342-7896. You can also contact us online or come visit us at one of our three statewide locations. We can also come to you.