Post-trial diversion and alternative sentencing options provide opportunities to direct individuals to rehabilitation-focused interventions that balance the interests of justice with treatment. Most importantly, they avoid incarceration for individuals who meet certain sentencing conditions. Often involving suspended sentences and/or probation, alternative sentencing can be as creative and flexible as a judge and community resources will allow. Examples of alternative sentencing include community service, assisted outpatient treatment, and other required participation in appropriate treatment, including problem solving courts.
Learn More About Diversion and Alternative Sentencing
- Council of State Governments, Practical Considerations Related to Release and Sentencing for Defendants Who Have Behavioral Health Needs: A Judicial Guide
- National Center for State Courts, Introduction to the Evidence-Based Judicial Decision Making Curriculum
- National Center for State Courts, Effective Court Responses to Persons with Mental Disorders
- National Center for State Courts, Effective Court Responses to Persons with Substance Use Disorder
- National Center for State Courts, Using Risk and Needs Assessment Information at Sentencing: Observations from Ten Jurisdictions
- *Ogana et.al., Violence risk assessment instruments in forensic psychiatric populations: a systematic review and meta-analysis
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