Pima considers setting up diversion-program fund

The Deferred Prosecution Program allows some types of nonviolent offenders to enter the program instead of being prosecuted. If they complete the terms of the program, the charges will then be dismissed.

“The purpose for the new ordinance is that the state Legislature created a mechanism to set aside specific funds for this diversion program,” said Amelia Cramer of the Pima County Attorney’s Office.

If the supervisors approve the fund, the cost of the program would no longer come out of the general county fund, she said.

“The fees would be deposited directly into the Deferred Prosecution Fund, allowing to better track the fees collected and the costs to operate the program,” Cramer said. “For every case that the defendant goes into diversion and is successful, we avoid all the costs associated with prosecuting a case.”

The proposed fee schedule is $50 per month for felony, domestic violence or repeat offender cases; a $185 one-time program fee for possession of marijuana cases; and an $80 one-time fee for all other first-time offender, nondomestic violence misdemeanor cases.

“The county pays all sides of the law enforcement equation with regard to criminal justice,” said County Administrator Chuck Huckelberry. “I’m hoping that a successful Deferred Prosecution Program and Fund will actually result in lower overall criminal justice cost to the city.”