Many people who receive citations or are charged with minor crimes may be allowed to do a diversion program. A diversion program, when offered, allows a Defendant to complete a course or do community service in exchange for the charge being dropped. There is usually a small fee that must be paid as well.

Some counties offer a diversion program where a college student is charged with using a fake ID. Other counties will drop a charge for driving without a license or driving on a suspended license if the Defendant obtains a valid license. There are often diversion programs for civil citations for possession of marijuana. At least one county sometimes offers diversion for speeding tickets.

It is also possible for an attorney to negotiate a diversion program for petty theft or malicious destruction of property. Restitution will always be required in these cases. There are also special programs for veterans in some counties.

The purpose of a diversion program is to help the Defendant to get his or her life straightened out rather than to punish him or her with a criminal record that can lead to a downward spiral. Diversion programs vary widely from county to county and will depend upon the individual's prior record.