Are you eligible for a pre-trial diversion program in Texas?

If you commit a crime in Texas, the prosecution may decide to do one of two things: Go through with the ordinary channels of prosecution  or send you through a pre-trial  diversion  program. If the prosecution elects for the former, you stand the very real possibility of receiving a conviction, which may  result in  fines and jail time. If  the prosecution elects for a pre-trial diversion program, however, you will have the opportunity to meet certain conditions in exchange for the dismissal of charges.   

According to the United States Department of Justice, states use  pre-trial diversion programs  to divert certain offenders from the traditional criminal justice processing and into a supervised program. These programs seek to fulfill four major objectives:   

Though the state benefits from pre-trial diversion programs, not every defendant in a criminal case qualifies. For a pre – trial diversion program to  even be an option for you, you must meet the eligibility criteria. The eligibility criteria vary from state to state. However, the prosecution is more likely to divert your case if you do not have two or more prior felo n y convictions on your record; if you  are not a public official who faces allegations arising out of the supposed violation of a public trust or funds; or if your offense is not related to foreign affairs or national security. Ultimately, though the prosecution may use its discretion to decide whether or not you qualify for such leniency.