Overview
The Pre-Trial Adult Diversion Program of the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office is a voluntary alternative to criminal prosecution for eligible defendants. OPDA reviews each case individually, and some cases may not be eligible because of the nature or circumstances of the offense. The program gives participants an opportunity to resolve charges after completing applicable requirements. The program addresses participant needs through counseling, education, substance-use treatment, and mental-health services. There is no program fee. Restitution, when applicable, must be paid in full before successful completion. Upon successful completion, the participant’s case will be dismissed or refused by OPDA. Participants receive documentation of completion that may be used when applying for an expungement.
Possible Program Elements
- Contact with a Diversion Case Manager
- Drug screening or alcohol monitoring as required
- Substance-use treatment or counseling as required
- Relevant education courses
- Compliance with a treatment plan
- Payment of restitution in full
Program Goals
- Hold participants accountable
- Connect participants to community supports
- Prevent and reduce future crime by addressing participant needs
- Offer eligible defendants an alternative to the traditional court process and a criminal conviction
- Reduce criminal-justice caseloads
Completion
Successful completion results in the case being refused or dismissed. Noncompliance with program requirements or voluntary withdrawal results in referral back to the traditional court system for further action.
General Questions
The Pre-Trial Adult Diversion Program is a voluntary alternative to criminal prosecution for eligible defendants, operated by the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office. It addresses participant needs through counseling, education, substance-use treatment, and mental-health services and provides an opportunity to resolve charges after completing program requirements.
Participants must be 17 years of age or older.
There is no program fee. External services may have fees, but no person will be denied services because of their financial situation.
If you are deemed eligible to participate in the Diversion program, you may receive notification of your eligibility through your attorney or through text and/or email with instructions to call the District Attorney’s Office to schedule an intake appointment with a Diversion Case Manager. Walk in intakes are subject to availability.
Contact
Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office — Adult Diversion
- Address: 619 South White Street, New Orleans, LA 70119
- Phone: (504) 822-2414
- Email: communications@orleansda.com
- Office hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; closed weekends and public holidays.
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