Activist Rights

Criminal Justice Diversion

Estimated reading: 2 minutes

If you are going to court for the first time and intend to plead guilty, talk to the informant about the Criminal Justice Diversion Program (‘CJDP‘).

If you are eligible and you complete the program, a CJDP means you won’t get a criminal record.

A diversion plan can include conditions like:

  • You must not be commit any offences in a certain period of time;
  • You must write a letter of apology to the victim;
  • You must make a donation to a particular charity;
  • You must engage in counselling, participate in a program, or other rehabilitation treatments.

The process:

  1. The informant makes the decision about whether to recommend you for the diversion program; then
  2. The Diversion Coordinator considers this recommendation and advises the Magistrate about whether it is a suitable option; lastly
  3. The Magistrate makes the final decision about whether or not you will be given a diversion.

Because you have to take responsibility for the offence (plead guilty), always speak to a lawyer before contacting the informant.

For more information about the Diversion Program and the process for being considered see:

See also: Impact of a criminal record

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