What is diversion?

Diversion is an alternative available to some juveniles to avoid formal prosecution. The County Attorney has sole discretion to divert prosecution and determine which offenses are eligible for diversion (A.R.S. Section 8-321). Through diversion, a juvenile is given the opportunity to admit to the allegations contained in the referral and receive a consequence in lieu of the formal court process. Consequences can include:

  • Unpaid community service work
  • Fines or restitution
  • Completion of educational, rehabilitative, or counseling programs

If the juvenile successfully completes diversion, his/her obligation to the state (and victim when applicable) is satisfied and a petition is not filed. The outcome cannot be used against the juvenile in any further proceedings and there is no adjudication of incorrigibility or delinquency. If the juvenile is non-compliant with diversion, the referral is sent back to the County Attorney who may then decide to file a petition.

Show All Answers

1. What is the jurisdiction of the Juvenile Court?
2. What is a delinquent act?
3. What is an incorrigible act?
4. How does a juvenile get referred to the Court?
5. What is diversion?
6. What is a petition?
7. What is a dismissal?
8. What is the Probation Officer’s role?
9. What is Standard Probation?
10. What is Juvenile Intensive Probation Supervision (JIPS)?
11. What is the Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections (ADJC)?
12. How do I get my juvenile records destroyed?