What is Diversion?

Diversion is an array of informal and formal practices that effectively remove criminal defendants from the justice system and may place them out of the reach of criminal sanctions. Diversion offers an opportunity to remove minimal-risk defendants from courts and prisons and avoids burdening people with the lasting negative consequences of criminal convictions. Problem-solving courts, a form of diversion, are specialized dockets within the criminal justice system that seek to address the underlying problems contributing to certain offenses. For more information, visit the National Institute of Justice.