Difference between revisions of "I've Been Accused of a Criminal Offence and Have Been Offered "Diversion", "Restorative Justice" or "Alternative Measures""

{{Template:Legal Help Guide TOC}}Police forces and Crown prosecutors sometimes choose to deal with <span class="noglossary">minor</span> criminal charges and first-time offenders outside of the court system through ''diversion'' or ''restorative <span class="noglossary">justice</span>''. Diversion is a program of community supervision by a probation office. In restorative <span class="noglossary">justice</span>, offenders are encouraged to take responsibility for their actions, to repair the harm they've done, and victims take an active role in the process. The range of options in a diversion program or through restorative justice include making an apology to the victim, doing community service, and taking part in counselling programs.

If you are charged with a criminal offence, you may <span class="noglossary">contact</span> the office of Crown Counsel (the government prosecutor) and ask to be considered for diversion or alternative measures. In some cases, Crown Counsel may <span class="noglossary">offer</span> you these sorts of programs to you even if you don't apply. You <span class="noglossary">will</span> be referred to a local or regional service — often a probation office — which <span class="noglossary">will</span> supervise the alternative measures. The measures <span class="noglossary">will</span> be similar to those under diversion or restorative <span class="noglossary">justice</span>.

{{REVIEWED | reviewer = [[Lisa Helps|Lisa J. Helps]], February 2016}}