A.R.S. § 9-500.22: Prosecution Diversion Programs
Prosecution diversion programs
What is a diversion program in Arizona?
In Arizona, a city or town's chief prosecutor may set up a diversion program that dismisses a criminal complaint once the person completes its requirements, but this option is not available for crimes involving the discharge, use, or threatening display of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument, and the prosecutor alone decides whether to offer diversion, which may require a guilty plea first.
Full statute text
Official text last checked against azleg.gov:
9-500.22. Prosecution diversion programs
A. The chief prosecuting officer of a city or town may establish a diversion program that provides for the dismissal of a criminal complaint on successful completion of the program's requirements. Diversion shall not be available to persons accused of a crime involving the discharge, use or threatening exhibition of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument.
B. The prosecutor has sole discretion to decide whether to divert prosecution of an offender when the diversion occurs before a guilty plea or trial. The diversion program may be structured to require a guilty plea before entry into the program.
AI-drafted summary, not attorney-reviewed. Statute text verified against azleg.gov. Legal information, not legal advice — consult a licensed attorney for your situation.