mental health diversion programs

Eligibility

Misdemeanor Mental Health Diversion: The Fastest Route From Arrest to Dismissal

Trespass, disorderly conduct, petty theft — many low-level arrests trace back to a mental health crisis. Diversion was built for these cases.

Common charges

Trespassing, disorderly conduct, shoplifting, simple assault, vandalism, resisting arrest and public intoxication frequently arise during mental health crises.

Why misdemeanors are good candidates

Lower public-safety risk and shorter program lengths make misdemeanor diversion easier to approve — and a conviction avoided now prevents harsher treatment of any future case.

Frequently asked questions

Is it worth fighting a misdemeanor this way?

Often yes — even minor convictions can affect jobs and housing.

Talk to a mental health diversion lawyer near you

Local rules decide who qualifies. Get matched with a defense attorney who handles diversion in your county.

Find an attorney

Contacting an attorney through this site creates an advertising inquiry for a private defense attorney, not an attorney-client relationship.

Mental health diversion laws by state

See how misdemeanor mental health diversion works under your state's law, with county guides.

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