CT HB05629

Courts may invoke a discretionary diversionary program for defendants under 21 years old charged with motor vehicle violations or violations of Connecticut statutes 30-88a, 30-89a, or subsections (a) or (b) of 30-89 (underage drinking-related offenses), if the defendant has not previously used this program.

Program does not apply to defendants charged with motor vehicle violations causing serious injury or death, felony motor vehicle violations (unless good cause shown), or violations of statutes 14-227a or 14-227g.

Court Support Services Division must confirm defendant eligibility, and a court-approved nonprofit organization advocating for victims of drunk or impaired driving conducts the program with a maximum participation fee of $50.

Program provides a nonconfrontational forum for defendants to hear from victims affected by underage drinking, drunk driving, distracted driving, or other motor vehicle violations.

If defendant satisfactorily completes the program within nine months, charges are dismissed; if not completed within nine months, charges are reinstated.