Nashville Mental Health Diversion Programs
If you or a loved one was arrested in Nashville during a mental health crisis, Tennessee law may allow the case to be diverted into treatment instead of traditional prosecution. Nashville cases are generally handled in Davidson County courts — this guide explains how diversion works there, who qualifies, and what happens after.
Tennessee law that applies in Nashville
Tenn. Code § 40-15-105 — Pretrial diversion.
- Tenn. Code § 16-22-101 et seq. (recovery courts)
Citations pending attorney review.
How a Nashville case moves into diversion
- 1. Arrest & booking. After a Nashville arrest, the case is filed with Davidson County prosecutors. Jail mental health staff may flag a condition at intake.
- 2. Defense request. Your attorney gathers treatment records and asks the court or prosecutor for diversion or mental health court referral.
- 3. Evaluation & plan. A clinician confirms the diagnosis and proposes a treatment plan for the court to review.
- 4. Supervision. You follow the plan with regular check-ins with the Davidson County court or program staff.
- 5. Dismissal. Successful completion can lead to dismissed charges and possible record sealing.
Who may qualify in Nashville
Courts commonly consider a diagnosed condition such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, or major depression; whether it contributed to the alleged offense; whether treatment is likely to help; and public safety. Veterans may also be eligible for veterans treatment court where available. For the full Tennessee breakdown, see the Tennessee diversion guide.
Nashville diversion FAQs
Does Nashville have a mental health diversion program?
Criminal cases from Nashville are typically heard in Davidson County courts, where diversion is governed by Tenn. Code § 40-15-105 (Pretrial diversion) and local court and prosecutor policy. Availability depends on the charge and program capacity — a local defense attorney can confirm current options.
Where are Nashville criminal cases heard?
Most Nashville arrests are prosecuted in the Davidson County criminal courts. Some minor offenses may go through municipal court. Mental health court dockets, where available, are usually run at the county level.
Who qualifies for mental health diversion in Nashville?
Courts commonly look for a diagnosed mental health condition (bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, major depression, and others) that played a role in the offense, a treatment plan likely to help, and no unreasonable public safety risk. Some serious or violent charges may be excluded under Tennessee law.
Can felony charges in Nashville be diverted?
It depends on Tennessee law and the specific charge. Some Tennessee programs accept certain felonies; others are limited to misdemeanors. A Nashville diversion lawyer can review whether your charge is eligible.
What happens if I complete diversion in Nashville?
Successful completion of a Tennessee diversion program often leads to dismissal of the charges, and may open the door to sealing or expungement of the arrest record.
How do I find a mental health diversion lawyer in Nashville?
Look for a criminal defense attorney who regularly practices in Davidson County courts and has handled diversion or mental health court cases. You can request a match through this site at no cost.