What is a pretrial diversion program for drug charges?

Diversion suspends prosecution while the person completes agreed conditions — commonly a substance abuse evaluation and any recommended treatment, community service, drug testing, fees, and a period without new arrests.

On successful completion, charges are dismissed. That's a dismissal rather than a conviction, which matters enormously for what can be sealed or expunged afterward.

Eligibility is generally limited to people without significant prior records and to less serious charges. The State Attorney's office controls admission in most programs, which means the request goes to the prosecutor rather than to the court.

Two things worth knowing. Entry often requires admissions or waivers that carry consequences if the program isn't completed. And terms are negotiable more often than people assume — what gets offered first isn't always the final shape.