HB654 Summary

• Establishes a pretrial diversion program in the 16th Judicial Circuit in Etowah County under the direct supervision and control of the district attorney.

• Allows offenders charged with drug offenses (excluding trafficking and first-degree manufacturing), property offenses, misdemeanors, and traffic/conservation offenses to apply for the program; excludes Class A felonies, capital offenses, crimes involving serious physical injury, and crimes against children under 14, law enforcement, school officials, or seniors.

• Requires offenders to voluntarily waive rights to speedy trial and jury trial, agree to tolling of statutes of limitations, provide written admission of responsibility, and comply with program conditions including restitution, education, counseling, employment, and supervision fees.

• Sets application fees capped at $900 for felonies and $750 for misdemeanors; allows fees to be waived or reduced for indigent applicants; 10% of collected fees go to Etowah County Sheriff and 10% to approved child advocacy center, with remainder funding program administration.

• Program records are inadmissible in subsequent proceedings except for applicant's written admission of responsibility; district attorney may waive violations for good cause and may terminate participation with written notice.