Napa County DA Starts New Misdemeanor Diversion Program

NAPA, CA — The Napa County District Attorney’s Office has implemented a new platform that offers eligible misdemeanor offenders an opportunity to avoid a criminal conviction by participating and completing individually-tailored classes.

The Early Diversion Program will be managed by Corrective Solutions, a national administrator of alternatives to prosecution and incarceration programs, Napa County District Attorney Allison Haley announced Monday in a news release.

The Early Diversion Program is an alternative to the criminal justice system. Recognizing the impact that court proceedings may have on employment opportunities and long-term community productivity, the program connects offenders with local community resources that can provide support for living a law-abiding life.

The option to participate is completely voluntary and occurs prior to the filing of any criminal charges, according to the news release.

It is not available for all misdemeanor charges; some exclusions include driving under the influence, domestic violence or sexually-motivated misdemeanors.

According to the news release, eligible participants are held accountable by being required to participate and complete cognitive behavioral change intervention classes that incorporate strategies to support lasting lifestyle changes to reintegrate offenders as productive members of their communities.

Each participant’s program is individually tailored. The program requires an initial assessment and crime-specific behavioral change classes. Additional terms may be required for completion, including drug testing, mental health services, community service and restitution to their victim.

The Early Diversion Program is available in Spanish and online to protect the safety and well being of participants. In addition, an indigent assistance fund is available for participants who may not be able to afford the program.

The DA’s Office said it receives no financial benefit from implementation of the program, nor from any metric of success or failure of participants.