PRETRIAL DIVERSION IN CITY OF ATTALLA

Pretrial diversion programs, such as the one offered by the City of Attalla, Alabama, provide an alternative path for individuals charged with certain offenses, like DUIs, to potentially avoid a criminal conviction. This program offers participants a chance to engage in rehabilitative efforts rather than proceeding directly through the traditional criminal justice system.

Purpose of Pretrial Diversion Programs

Pretrial diversion programs aim to redirect eligible defendants away from the criminal court process and into a supervised program that focuses on rehabilitation. The overarching goal is to address the root causes of the individual's behavior, thereby reducing the likelihood of reoffending. For DUI cases, this often involves addressing substance use issues, improving decision-making skills, and ensuring public safety through monitoring and education.

Upon completion of the program, your case will be dismissed.

Structure of the Attalla Pretrial Diversion Program

The City of Attalla outlines a structured approach for individuals entering the pretrial diversion program for DUI charges:

CRO (Court Referral Office) Assessment: Participants must visit the CRO within seven days of entering the program for an assessment, which determines their assignment to level I, II, or III. This level dictates the program's duration and the frequency of required testing, ranging from 3 to 12 months. The CRO is located at 1000 Forrest Ave, Gadsden, AL 35901, and can be reached at (256) 549-5352.
Fees: Participants are responsible for several fees, including an application fee of $7, a program fee of $500 (generally—can be more or less depending on. what the prosecutor requires), court costs of around $485. If your license is suspended, you will pay $275 driver’s license reinstatement fee. Monitoring fees are also required, costing $30 a month plus drug test fees, with specific charges depending on whether the participant is on color code monitoring.
Review Court Dates: The court will set dates to monitor the participant's progress, which they are required to attend.