Diversion Programs

In Connecticut, the court system believes that those charged with DUI – particularly first-time offenders – may be in need of rehabilitation services through the use of diversion programs. This may be due to underlying addiction issues that need to be addressed by a rehabilitation program. Or, the court may offer some form of rehabilitation in addition to jail time for a second or third offense. On this page, I will discuss some of the most common diversion programs that are available to DUI defendants.

Connecticut Diversion Programs

Accelerated Rehabilitation

The Accelerated Pretrial Rehabilitation Program is one of the most common diversion programs available to first-time DUI offenders. There are certain issues that would bar a person from acceptance into this program, such as having multiple DUI offenses or having additional felony charges to the first-time DUI. Youthful offenders and those who have used other types of diversionary programs also may not be eligible. However, if you are granted into this program, you can avoid jail time by instead taking 10 or 15 classes about alcohol addiction and by learning how to deal with a potential alcohol problem.

Check out our other pages on the pretrial alcohol rehabilitation and education programs on our website for more information.

Drug Education Program

If you are charged with a drug DUI in Connecticut, you instead may be eligible for a Pretrial Drug Education Program or a Drug Intervention Program (more on this program below). Again, there are eligibility requirements for the Pretrial Drug Education Program, including eligible crimes, which include drug possession or possession of drug paraphernalia. In addition, if you’ve used this program before, you cannot use this program again. Use of a community service labor program also bars you from access to the Pretrial Drug Education Program.

If you are accepted into the Drug Education Program, you will be referred to the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. They will place you in a drug education program that suits your needs. You will need to fulfill all of the classes as well as four days of community service in order to successfully complete the program. If you do complete the program, the charges against you will be dismissed.

Drug Intervention Program

Two of the main goals of the Drug Intervention Program are to reduce criminal behavior and reduce substance abuse.

The Drug Intervention Program has multiple levels of supervision of those in the program as well as multiple levels of treatment. Drug testing and court appearances on a regular basis are required for 12-15 months, depending on the program. The offenders report to the court to receive orders, be monitored, and, if necessary, to be penalized for failure to adhere to the program.

The services offered include:

• Vocational training.
• Educational training.
• Detoxification.
• In-patient treatment.
• Intensive outpatient treatment.

If you want to take advantage of one of the diversion programs listed on this page, contact our office. We can help you review your options and determine if you are eligible for a program. We can also help you decide if a program is the best option for you or if there is something else that will be more suitable for your situation.