Diversion (Misdemeanor / Felony)

Misdemeanor Pretrial Diversion

Since the expansion of pretrial diversion in November of 1990, these cases have been divided into Class I and Class II types, based on charge and prior record. General requirements include attendance at classes or groups. Class I cases generally remain open three months and Class II cases remain open for six months. If a client attends the program and pays all program fees and does not get arrested during the participation in the diversion program, the State Attorney’s Office will drop the charges against the defendant and they may become eligible to have their record sealed and/or expunged.

Felony Pretrial Diversion

These cases are referred by the State Attorney’s Office through Miami-Dade County Corrections’ Pretrial Service Agency. These cases also include special situations (such as the Firearm Intervention Program for Carrying Concealed Firearm cases) established by the State Attorney’s Office that otherwise might not be diverted. Often, these cases require the payment of restitution, which the Advocate Program researches, collects, and distributes. Clients are required to attend felony groups or classes. If a client attends the program and pays all program fees and does not get arrested during the participation in the diversion program, the State Attorney’s Office will drop the charges against the defendant and they may become eligible to have their record sealed and/or expunged.

Course Description

The Advocate Program, Inc. incorporates a cognitive behavioral curriculum in all of its psychoeducational groups. Correctional research is clear that the cognitive behavioral approach, as opposed to any other methodology, has the widest level of successful outcomes. Each participant will be given an interactive workbook developed by the Change Companies. The US Government is currently using similar workbooks in all of their residential programs. Groups are available in English, Spanish and certain groups in Creole. Some groups are available in an accelerated format.

In addition, role-playing, small group discussions and problem solving exercises are used in all of the groups. We also have an extensive supply of research materials, handouts and video presentations.