Make a Diversion payment on the Pinal County Diversion Payment Portal.
At the discretion of the County Attorney, a defendant may participate in the PCAO Adult Diversion Program. This program is administered pursuant to A.R.S. § 11-361 et seq. and is subject to individual eligibility criteria.
In this video, Jarrett talks about how he ended up in PCAO’s Diversion Program
Under this program, a defendant enters a formal agreement that includes his/her admission to the crime and the defendant’s promise to abide by all program requirements. Diversion typically begins before formal legal proceedings commence. Diversion benefits the State and victims by resolving cases in a prompt and efficient manner, saving both time and public funds. Additionally, defendants are more likely to successfully complete diversion programs and have lower recidivism rates than those sentenced to probation or prison. Before a defendant begins Diversion, PCAO calls the victim to discuss the matter. Court proceedings are suspended during participation in Diversion, except for occasional review hearings to confirm the defendant’s progress and compliance with program requirements. Successful completion results in dismissal of the charge(s) and no further prosecution of that matter; while failure to complete Diversion generally results in resumption of the criminal court proceedings and prosecution of the alleged offense(s).
Diversion FAQ’s
Is everyone Diversion eligible?
At the discretion of the County Attorney, a defendant may participate in the Pinal County Attorney’s Office (PCAO) Adult Diversion Program. This program is administered pursuant to A.R.S. 11-361 et seq. and is subject to individual eligibility criteria.
How long does Diversion last?
There is no specific timetable for this program. Diversion is completed once all requirements are fulfilled. The length of the program will be determined by the requirements deemed necessary.
How much does it cost to complete Diversion?
This self-pay program is at the defendant’s expense. Program fees are determined at intake based on federal guidelines.
What are the benefits of Diversion?
Upon successful completion of the program, the charges will be dismissed resulting in no criminal conviction.
Offenders are held accountable for their actions, but are also given the opportunity to correct negative behavior associated with criminal activity.
What happens if someone fails to complete all Diversion requirements?
Failure to complete Diversion generally results in resumption of prosecution of the alleged offense(s).