World

Diversion Programs More Effective Than the Normal Criminal Justice Court Process

Published

4 years ago

April 14, 2022

Most states in America recognize that low-level offenses committed by first-time offenders do not necessarily need to go through the normal criminal case process. Though effective in serving some purposes like getting the bad guys off the streets, the ordinary criminal justice process does not effectively rehabilitate offenders or promote behavioral changes.

Diversion programs offer first-time, low-level offenders an opportunity to learn from their mistakes without going through the regular legal process. As a result, this may not be effective in promoting behavioral change.

How Does a Diversion Program Work?

A diversion program is an alternative to the regular criminal legal process for some offenses. The program was created by a state’s legislative arm and signed into law. These laws identify the characteristic of a crime and the offender that qualify for a diversion. Depending on the diversion system, a defendant’s case may be diverted early into the case and does not require the defendant to take a plea.

Other systems require the defendant to plead guilty to the charge, but the court defers the sentence until the defendant completes the diversion program. Upon completion of the diversion program, which can last for six months to a year, the court dismisses the case, and it does not show in your records. However, the arrest record will remain, but you can have it deleted later. If the offender does not complete the diversion program, the case returns to court.

Diversion Programs Effectiveness

According to the ACLU, the diversion program seeks to identify the underlying problems leading to a crime. This makes diversion programs more effective in reducing recidivism and improving the community’s safety in the long term.

To the victims, diversion programs ensure that they get financial restitution for their losses. Sometimes they may receive a written apology from the offender, which can help mend relationships. They also get to participate in the restorative justice system by voicing their views which is critical in assisting them to know that they get justice. To the offender, diversion helps ensure that they avoid getting a criminal record, make amends with the victim, and help them learn from their mistakes and through the program helping them avoid similar offenses in the future.

Diversion programs also ensure that fewer people go through the normal criminal justice system, easing the system’s burden and correctional facilities. According to ACUL, if prosecutors used diversion programs more, the population in America’s correctional facilities would reduce by approximately 10 percent, translating into significant savings in the government.

Crimes That Qualify for Diversion Programs

Diversion programs laws define the characteristic of offenses and offenders that qualify for diversion. These criminal charges include minor misdemeanor offenses, possession of certain drugs, first-time DUI offenders, petty theft, minor assaults, and domestic violence qualify for diversion in most states.

Diversion programs are also effective in rehabilitating offenders with underlying mental illnesses. According to the center for prison reform, diversion programs for mentally ill offenders resulted in an 84 percent drop in the rearrests likelihood for offenders.

World

Swiss International University Enhances Student Employability with Major Global Collaborations

Published

2 weeks ago

November 8, 2025

Jenny Jackson

New collaborations with Citibank, Abu-Ghazaleh Global, RAK Properties, and others strengthen SIU’s commitment to connecting academic learning with global career opportunities.

Swiss International University (SIU) has already informed about the new corporate partnerships that will start in October 2025 and that they will provide students with better access to internships, training programs, and job opportunities in various fields.

The new partnerships are aligned with SIU’s goal to combine education with the real world, as they ensure that the graduates are equipped with the required knowledge, skills, and professional exposure to be successful in the global economy of today.

In the last few weeks, SIU has formed alliances with several major companies, including those from the banking, business, hospitality, real estate, and consulting sectors. The students will be actively involved in each collaboration through internships, practical training, and the career opportunities that will be given to them during or after their studies.

Among the key collaborations are

Citibank, where students of the business and finance fields will get to experience international banking operations through special training and possible hiring programs.

Abu-Ghazaleh Global has given SIU’s programs its official blessing and access to practical experience in global business, accounting, and consulting.

RAK Properties is going to give real estate and business students a chance to learn about property development, investment, and project management.

The Signature Inn Hotel Al Riqa L.L.C. offers students of hospitality a chance through real-life interrelated scenarios to gain the knowledge of front-office operations and guest management.

Al Shabaka International Businessmen Services is opening a door for the students to meet the professionals involved in global business consulting and administration.

Galadari Motor Driving Center, where students will get a clear insight into corporate management, customer relations, and operational efficiency.

Women’s First Jobs is going to help female students and graduates through career counseling, professional networking, and empowerment initiatives.

MyFounders.Club Global is building up the students and aspiring founders in terms of innovation and entrepreneurship by taking them through the process of developing and launching new ventures.

Revival AE Project Development Consultant Co., L.L.C., where students will be working on consulting for sustainable projects and environmental management.

“The partnerships that we have formed represent our commitment not only to the business world but also to the world of academia,” said the Head of Swiss International University. “We are aspiring to equip every student in SIU with the power to win the global job market through robust academic credentials, practical exposure, and a web of real opportunities. Our target is not a teacher-student relationship whose only need is the job—our students will be the ones making changes in the various fields of tomorrow.”

The academic world and the global market are the two areas where SIU, collaborating with partners at the present time, shows the institution’s continued commitment to creating a career-oriented academic environment where learning takes place beyond the walls of the classrooms.

The deadline of October 2025 is approaching, but the university is still looking to make new strategic partnerships to grow its network of global partners. It is clear from the continuous activities of the university that it is striving to offer its students worldwide the possibility of not only utilizing their skills but also being a part of the industry via employment and thus empowering them to make a difference in international markets.