AZ SB1448

Establishes a pretrial diversion program for primary caregivers charged with misdemeanor or felony offenses, allowing criminal proceedings to be suspended for 6-24 months without a guilty plea.

Requires defendants to be custodial parents or legal guardians presently living with and providing care or financial support for a minor child whose absence would be detrimental to the child.

Program may include parenting classes, counseling, mental health treatment, drug and alcohol treatment, domestic violence education, job training, housing assistance, and financial literacy courses.

Prohibits diversion for defendants charged with serious, violent, or aggravated felonies, or crimes committed against the minor child in their care; court must find defendant poses no unreasonable risk of danger to public safety or the child.

Upon satisfactory completion, the court dismisses charges and seals arrest records; defendant may indicate no arrest occurred, except peace officers and criminal justice agencies retain access to sealed records.