Pretrial Diversion

The Fourth Judicial District Attorney’s office has a Pretrial Diversion Program that allows qualifying offenders of non-violent crimes, an opportunity to participate in a rehabilitative programs rather than undergo prosecution. This program benefits the participant, court, jails, community and the DA’s office by reducing the number of offenders in the system, costs to the system and lowering the rate of recidivism.

All active criminal cases are Defendants charged with crimes that may be diversion eligible are screened by the District Attorney’s office. During the screening process, a defendant’s file is reviewed, including his or her criminal record, to determine if he or she qualifies for the program. Entry into this program is solely at the discretion of the District Attorney.

Each defendant must agree to strict compliance with the terms of the program. The Diversion Program may take anywhere from 6 to 24 months to complete and may include drug testing, counseling, substance abuse treatment, group therapy, education and job skills training. The defendant is responsible for all fees associated with the program. The Diversion Program is designed to promote community stability and responsible living. Upon successful completion of the program the defendant’s case is amended or dismissed.

Re-offenders may be immediately terminated from the program and their criminal case will be prosecuted.

Information regarding the Traffic Pre-trial Diversion Program is found on the Traffic page of this website.

Ouachita Parish Diversion Office: 318- 327-1408
Morehouse Parish Diversion Office: 318-281-4907