Alternatives to Prosecution

At the Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office, we understand that prosecution alone does not always address the underlying issues that bring people into the justice system. That’s why diversion programs play an important role in our approach to public safety. These programs are designed to address the root causes of criminal behavior by connecting individuals to treatment, services, and support, while still holding them accountable for their actions.

By investing in these programs, our office can provide a second for these individuals, reduce the likelihood that they will reoffend, decrease incarceration rates, and most importantly, make our communities safer.

The Diversion Program

The Diversion Program allows for some first-time non-violent offenders to avoid prosecution or be "diverted" from prosecution after indictment. Eligible defendants must meet strict requirements for entry into this unit and if accepted, are given the opportunity to resolve their cases through accountability, rehabilitation, and community-based requirements.

Those persons accepted into the Diversion Unit must display a willingness to cooperate and an ability to benefit from the program. The burden of rehabilitation is always on the offender to demonstrate a willingness to comply with the standards set forth by the Diversion Unit.

The program also results in significant community and financial impact. Defendants in the program pay restitution, which directly supports victims and restitution obligations, and often complete community service as well.

In 2025:

  • The Diversion Unit accepted 51 cases, and 21 cases were successfully completed and dismissed.
  • Defendants paid a total of $161,858.85 in restitution.
  • Participants completed 2,070 hours of verified community service, representing an estimated $22,152 in community value based on minimum wage.

These outcomes reflect the Diversion Unit’s role in promoting accountability, restitution, and meaningful alternatives to traditional prosecution while maintaining court oversight.

Specialized Dockets

The specialized dockets in Franklin County Municipal Court and Franklin County Common Pleas Court connect participants to behavioral health and substance use disorder treatment providers, supports independent recovery, establishes individualized goals, and monitors personal progress. The dockets deliver trauma-informed services while maintaining accountability for criminal behavior, ensuring a balanced and effective approach to justice.

The Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office screens low-level cases for potential admission into one of the many specialized docket programs, including:

  • CATCH Court (Creating Autonomy Through Collaborative Healing)
  • RISE Court (Reaching Individual Success Everyday)
  • RENEW Court (Rebuilding, Empowering, Navigating, Embracing Wellness)
  • H.A.R.T. Court (Helping Achieve Recovery Together)
  • Recovery Court

The Juvenile Felony Diversion Program

The Juvenile Felony Diversion (JFD) program is a one-year pilot created in partnership between the Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office and the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas. The program refers eligible juveniles to the court’s Youth Education & Intervention Services Department (YEIS) as an alternative to juvenile court, easing strain on court dockets, improving judicial efficiency and reducing costs to the juvenile justice system.

YEIS provides research-informed, evidence-based programming, including the Community Restorative Justice Circles Program, which brings together juveniles, families, victims and community volunteers to work toward restitution, accountability and healing. The new program gives victims a greater voice in the process and creates opportunities for juvenile offenders to make positive contributions to their communities.

Victims will be notified prior to referral, as their consent is required for a case diversion. The most unique aspect of this program is that restitution will be paid to the victim up front, ensuring they are made whole faster. Not all cases are eligible, as this is for low-level felony cases.

Learn more about the JFD program

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