Diversion Programs

Diversion Program for First Time Offenders
The diversion program is run in collaboration with Southwestern Intervention Services (S.I.S.) and Tucson City Court. This program provides many first-time offenders of specified categories of misdemeanors an opportunity to participate in relevant counseling rather than proceeding through the court system and establishing a criminal record. Through counseling and classes, participants are guided toward alternative methods of managing and understanding the kind of behavior that lead to criminal activity. Participants who successfully complete diversion receive a dismissal of the misdemeanor charge(s) from Tucson City Court and avert the development of a criminal record.

How it Happens
Prosecutors offer eligible defendants the diversion option at their arraignment (first appearance) ONLY.  Those who accept are directed to Southwestern Intervention Services, Inc. S.I.S. provides cost-effective, professional intake, assessment, referral, and monitoring, including referral to one of 27 local counseling agencies. Participants cited with substance abuse charges attend substance abuse counseling. Participants cited for shoplifting, disorderly conduct, theft, etc. attend adult responsibility classes. Participants cited for specific animal code violations attend a humane education class.

In addition to collecting appropriate program fees and documents, S.I.S. tracks defendants’ progress in counseling,  takes appropriate action with those who fail to comply with program requirements, and prepares the documentation when defendants successfully complete the diversion program. The entire cost of the program is $180.00, payable upon registration.

Program Location
103 E. Alameda, Suite 501 and 45 N. 6th Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85701

The Mental Health Diversion Progam (MHDP) was implemented to enable mentally ill offenders charged with a misdemeanor the option of participation in community-based treatment programs instead of continuing forward with a standard prosecution. The offender must meet specified criteria and be connected to an approved service provider to qualify. Candidates must agree to be monitored by the Community Partnership of Southern Arizona (CPSA), throughout the duration of the program, which is usually 180 days.

The Mental Health Diversion Program is a cooperative effort between the Tucson City Court, the Criminal Division of the City Attorney's Office, and the CPSA and its network of At-Risk Providers.