Judicial Diversion (FAQs)
What is Judicial Diversion?
- Judicial Diversion is a type of expungeable probation for eligible offenders who plead guilty.
- You may be eligible for Judicial Diversion if you have never been convicted of a felony or some types of misdemeanors and if you have never received Diversion before.
- The Judge in your case decides whether to grant Judicial Diversion.
- Some crimes cannot be diverted.
- You may only receive one Judicial Diversion.
How do I apply for Judicial Diversion?
- You or your attorney must submit an application for Judicial Diversion to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI). The TBI charges a $100 fee that you must submit to the TBI directly.
- Please visit the TBI Website to submit an application. TBI’s address is: TBI Headquarters 901 R.S. Gass Boulevard, Nashville, TN 37216. TBI’s phone number is: 615.744.4000.
What are my requirements if placed on Judicial Diversion?
- If the Court places you on Judicial Diversion, then you will be on probation.
- You will be required to pay court costs in full by the end of your probationary period.
- You will be required to maintain good conduct - no new arrests, convictions, or criminal charges during your Judicial Diversion period.
- You may be required to participate in alternative sentencing which includes but is not limited to the following: pay a fine; perform community service; pay restitution to a victim or business; report to a probation officer; undergo treatment and/or counseling; and, stay away from a victim, witness, property, or a business.
What happens if I do not complete the requirements of Judicial Diversion?
- If you violate any requirement of your Judicial Diversion, then you are subject to having your Judicial Diversion revoked and a conviction entered. You may also be required to serve time in jail.
What happens if I complete the requirements of Judicial Diversion?
- If you comply with all requirements of your Judicial Diversion, then the Court will dismiss the diverted charge(s) at the end of your probationary period.
- Then you or your attorney can file an Order of Expungement at the Clerk’s Office, which will remove charges from the public criminal record. (NOTE: The District Attorneys’ Office will not file the Order of Expungement form for you).
For More Information about Judicial Diversions, click here.
