HB617 Summary

• Authorizes the City of Dothan to establish a discretionary pretrial diversion program for persons charged with criminal offenses within the city's jurisdiction.

• Admission to the program is at the sole discretion of the city attorney; persons charged with violent crimes, crimes against law enforcement, crimes involving weapons or child victims, and DUIs with serious injury are ineligible.

• Participants must enter a written agreement waiving speedy trial and jury trial rights, submit a guilty plea, and comply with conditions set by the city attorney including substance abuse treatment, employment, counseling, restitution, and community service.

• Application fees are assessed based on offense type, ranging from $250 for violations to $5,000 for DUI charges; fees may be waived or reduced for indigent offenders.

• Upon successful completion, charges may be dismissed; if terminated from the program, the court may impose any sentence without being bound by prior agreements.