Experienced Attorney Helps You Access Florida Diversion Programs

Orlando criminal defense lawyer counsels eligible clients on alternative resolutions of charges

Not every criminal defendant deserves zealous prosecution. The needs of the public and the accused are often best served by alternative resolution of the charges. In recognition of this principle, Florida has established various diversion programs to resolve cases in a manner that aims to rehabilitate offenders and reduce recidivism rates. The Law Offices of Tad A. Yates, P.A. has extensive experience helping defendants gain access to diversion programs that help them to avoid jail time and other hefty penalties.

Benefits of entering a Florida diversion program

Defendants who are eligible for a diversion program can avoid negative consequences of criminal charges, such as:

  • Jail time — Diversion allows you to remain at liberty, so you can keep working or going to school.
  • Criminal record — Diversion keeps charges confidential. Your record stays clean and won’t come up when you apply for a job, a loan or an apartment.
  • Additional penalties — Since you are not convicted of a crime, you avoid fines, probation, license suspension and other penalties.

In addition, you may be directed towards rehabilitative resources that provide essential assistance for your circumstances.

Types of diversion programs in Florida

There are several forms of pretrial intervention available in Florida, including:

  • Pretrial Intervention and Diversion — Administered by the Florida Department of Corrections, this program allows first-time felony offenders to fulfill conditions over a six- to 12-month period and to have charges dismissed. Conditions can include community service, restitution and other provisions the court deems necessary.
  • Misdemeanor Pretrial Diversion — Individual counties sponsor programs that enable first-time misdemeanor offenders to get charges dismissed. Offenders take six to 12 months to complete requirements, such as counseling, community service and drug testing.
  • DUI reduction — First-time DUI offenders whose BAC was measured below 0.15 percent may enter a 12-month program to get charges reduced. Requirements include DUI school, victim impact panel, community service and other items the court finds necessary. 
  • Drug Court Diversion — This program consists of mandatory drug testing, outpatient counseling, 12-step meetings and more, taking about 12 months. 
  • Veterans’ Treatment Court Diversion — Veterans who run afoul of the law due to substance abuse or mental health issues can enter supervised treatment and receive VA services, leading to a dismissal of charges.
  • Juvenile Diversion — Youthful offenders can perform community service, receive counseling and pay restitution to avoid adjudication. Charges are then dismissed.

In addition, there is the Batterer’s intervention Program, an intensive six-month regimen supervised by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF). This program does not dismiss charges but is a mandatory condition of probation for offenders who plead guilty to misdemeanor domestic violence. 

Qualifying for diversion programs in Florida

Pretrial diversion programs have strict eligibility conditions as follows:

  • Applicable to first-time offenders only
  • Limited to non-violent, low-level felony or misdemeanor charges
  • Prosecutor approval 
  • Consent of the victim in felony cases
  • Reasonable likelihood of success completing the program

Even if these conditions are met, eligibility is not automatic. In some cases, authorities have overcharged, so the accused will be ineligible unless the charges are reduced. This requires skilled negotiation. Even when the charges qualify, a prosecutor may resist approving diversion. The victim of the crime might also object. Finally, you must convince the court that you are a suitable candidate. All of these aspects require experienced management, principled negotiation and compelling advocacy. When you retain Mr. Yates, you can expect the highest level of representation on all these matters. 

Contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Orlando for a free consultation

The Law Offices of Tad A. Yates, P.A. counsels clients on a wide variety of pretrial diversion programs. To schedule a free consultation, call Tad A. Yates at 407-608-7777 or contact the firm online.

 

attorney

Mr. Yates is a past-President of the Orange County Bar Association and the Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association. He previously served as Chair of the Judicial Nominating Commission for the 9th Judicial Circuit. 

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Testimonials

  • When I met Tad Yates, I was frantic, scared and misinformed about the legalities of my case. He quickly reassured me that everything was going to be alright and started at once preparing my defense. Every time I needed to speak with him, he was there to give advice and inform me the status of my case. As a result of his hard work, he managed to get my case dismissed and this blemish off my record. If you’re thinking of hiring or consulting with Mr. Yates, your in great hands.

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  • Tad is an excellent attorney. Due to a momentary lapse in judgement, I was put in a bad position and could not be more grateful that I hired Tad. From the moment I met Tad, I knew that I was in great hands! Tad explained to me all possible outcomes of the case and really helped put my mind at ease. In the end, I wound up with a very positive outcome and I owe it all to him. Tad was always available when I needed to speak with him and I couldn’t be happier that I hired him. Without the help and guidance of Tad, I’m not sure where I would be today. Tad is not only an amazing attorney, but an all-around great person!

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  • I do not have enough words to describe how amazing the experience with this attorney was. He works very hard to obtain the best results for his clients. I could not have asked for better services. I had exceptional fast results, I highly recommend this attorney. Thank you again, Tad Yates.

  • After consulting with several different highly recommended lawyers, I decided to hire Tad. It was a decision that would truly effect my life in a very profound way. Tad never promised results, he did however layout his experience and give me his word he would put all his effort into my case. I felt that was the honesty I deserved. He was sincere, honest, and reliable. Every time we attended court he seemed to hold a very good relationship with all the court's people. My case with Tad lasted about 9 months. There were many times I wanted to break down, not knowing what the results would ultimately be; however Tad always personalized my case and would constantly provide me with assurance of his efforts. He was always extremely accessible. This gave me a lot of peace. The results of my case ended up being extremely satisfying. I was looking at losing everything, for good. I now have my peace, my freedom, and I am currently very successful. Even after my case, Tad kept tabs with me and ensured I was doing as I should. There is a handful of people God put in my life of whom helped me get to the next level, there is no denying Tad is one of them.

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  • Tad came highly recommended. Set up a consultation and after meeting him, hired him immediately. Tad is extremely knowledgeable, efficient and truly cares. He was always available to speak and support during a very difficult situation. Although he has many clients, he always made us feel important and took the time necessary to ensure our questions were answered and that we were comfortable with strategy and next steps. He ultimately achieved the desired result and we are forever grateful.

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  • When I met Tad Yates, I was frantic, scared and misinformed about the legalities of my case. He quickly reassured me that everything was going to be alright and started at once preparing my defense. Every time I needed to speak with him, he was there to give advice and inform me the status of my case. As a result of his hard work, he managed to get my case dismissed and this blemish off my record. If you’re thinking of hiring or consulting with Mr. Yates, your in great hands.- A.

    I was referred to Tad by a friend of the family. They told me what he did for them and assured me that he would do the same for me. He exceeded my expectations from start to finish. He used his knowledge of the law, professionalism and relationship skills to have my case completely dropped. No plea deals what so ever. He never once doubted me however he did explain exactly what we had to overcome. If you find yourself in a situation that could impact you for the rest of your life, whether you did anything wrong or not I would encourage you to give him a call.

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Ratings & Reviews

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    5.0/5.0

    Strongly recommend Tad Yates as an attorney as well as his office staff, Kathy. They are absolutely on top of their game. Very attentive, astute and courteous. The kindness and understanding shown by their office is incomparable. They have ...
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    — Louis .Tsantes

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    5.0/5.0

    Time spent in any legal process can be stressful. Tad is a great communicator and put me at ease with the process. His knowledge and plan of action where exactly what I needed. I would definitely recommend giving his office a call if you ar...
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    5.0/5.0

    I was highly recommended by a former Circuit Judge in Orlando to contact Mr Yates. He immediately took my call and put me at ease immediately. After his investigation into the matter he agreed to take my case. I never met him in person and ...
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    — Farrell Gordon

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    5.0/5.0

    If you're reading this and you have a case pending, you need to stop immediately and call Tad's office. Take it from someone who has been there, Tad is a consummate professional and highly skilled tactician who will get you the best possibl...
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    — Brenden McDaniels

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    5.0/5.0

    Tad is fantastic. Not only did he get my case dismissed in a timely manner, but he also made himself available over the holidays to provide advice and refer me to another law firm. He truly cares about his clients. I would highly recommend ...
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    — Leah

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