Connecticut’s Supervised Diversionary Program

A criminal conviction can change your life, sometimes forever. Fortunately, the State of Connecticut recognizes that many criminal defendants are fundamentally good people who just made a mistake. They do not need to be punished; instead, they need an opportunity to learn from their mistakes through a diversionary program.

If you qualify for Connecticut’s supervised diversionary program, you can avoid a criminal record that could follow you for the rest of your life. When you successfully complete the program, it will be as if you were never arrested.

What Is the Supervised Diversionary Program in CT?

Connecticut’s supervised diversionary program was created to help people suffering from mental or emotional disabilities who are at risk of incarceration because they have been charged with non-serious crimes or motor vehicle violations. Eligible defendants can enroll in specified healthcare programs as an alternative to going to trial and risking a conviction.

Who Qualifies for the Supervised Diversionary Program?

You may qualify for this program if you meet certain criteria at the time of your arrest.

• You must have a mental or emotional disability, other than substance abuse, that is documented by a healthcare provider.
• Your disability must have substantially impaired your ability to function.
• You must be in need of treatment.
• If you are a veteran applying for the program, you must have been honorably discharged.

You are ineligible to participate in the program if:

• You were charged with a Class A or Class B felony.
• You were charged with first-degree larceny and the crime alleges the threat of force against another person.
• You were charged with Driving Under the Influence (DUI).
• You were charged with a motor vehicle violation that resulted in death.
• You were charged with family violence and qualify for the Family Violence Education Program or have already participated in the Family Violence Education Program.
• You were charged with a drug-related offense and qualify for the Connecticut Pretrial Drug Education Program or have previously participated in the Pretrial Drug Education Program.
• You have previously participated in the program.

How to Apply

To apply for the supervised diversionary program, you must submit an application to the court where the criminal charges are pending. Once you apply for the program, your criminal record is sealed. The Court Support Services Division (CSSD) will notify the victim(s) of the crime, if there were any, that you applied for the supervised diversionary program. Before the court grants your application, any victims will be given an opportunity to provide the court with their opinion on why you should or should not be allowed to participate in the program.

The court will refer you to the CSSD for an assessment before deciding if you will be allowed to participate. During the assessment, the CSSD will determine whether treatment is appropriate, what type of treatment will be most beneficial, and whether those services are available. CSSD will also determine which community supervision, treatment, and services you should receive and will recommend a treatment plan or tell the court that you should not be allowed to participate in the program.

If you are accepted, you must agree to a tolling of the statute of limitations (so the state can still prosecute the case if you do not successfully complete the program), waive your right to a speedy trial, and agree to any conditions CSSD requires for you to participate in the program. These conditions often include mandatory attendance at meetings or program sessions. If you agree to these conditions, you will be referred to the CSSD and a specially trained probation officer will track your progress during your treatment and services.

Benefits of the Supervised Diversionary Program

This program is an opportunity to resolve your case without going to trial. By participating in the program, you will obtain the help you need and obtain dismissal of the charges against you.

To participate in this program, you are not required to plead guilty to criminal charges. Instead, when you complete the necessary treatment, your case will be sealed, and the charges will be dismissed.

Contact The Lebedevicth Law Firm for Help Applying

To give yourself the best chance of being accepted into the program, you should not submit your application alone. Instead, contact The Lebedevitch Law Firm for legal representation, advice, and assistance.

Connecticut criminal defense attorney Stephen Lebedevitch will carefully research your case, review your unique circumstances, and present a compelling application that describes why you should be accepted into the program. Once you have been accepted into the program, we will work with the CSSD and the Department of Adult Probation and, upon successful completion, will apply to the court to ensure the dismissal of the charges against you.

Attorney Lebedevitch has helped other criminal defendants apply for the Connecticut supervised diversionary program. He is highly respected by his prosecutors and judges and he knows how to achieve successful results for his clients. To learn more about how we can help with your application to the supervised diversionary program, contact The Lebedevitch Law Firm today to schedule a confidential consultation to discuss your situation.

The Lebedevitch Law Firm is based in Fairfield and proudly represents people who have been charged with crimes in Stamford, Greenwich, New Canaan, Norwalk, Darien, Rowayton, Fairfield, Trumbull, Westport, Wilton, Weston, Danbury, New Haven, Bethany, Woodbridge, Milford, Stratford, Bridgeport, and throughout the State of Connecticut.