Diversionary programs are an integral and beneficial part of the Connecticut criminal justice system. They allow first time offenders, upon successful completion, to receive a dismissal of charges. They permit offenders who need mental health or substance abuse treatment to receive it instead of a criminal conviction. Finally, they enable offenders to obtain an erasure and/or sealing of court, prosecutor, and law enforcement records. Diversionary programs provide a useful vehicle by which cases can be expeditiously and fairly resolved.

However, the current procedure is cumbersome, expensive and time consuming. For example, the Alcohol Education Program (AEP) which is available to first time DUI offenders usually requires three court appearances. An application, granting, and dismissal stage. At the application stage, the defendant is required to pay $200 for the application and an evaluation. Once the defendant is evaluated, he either receives 10 classes, 15 classes, or is recommended for intensive treatment at the granting stage. If the defendant is recommended 10 classes the cost is $350, and for 15 classes the cost is $500. Additionally, if there is a victim involved the defendant needs to provide the victim with notice of his application. At the dismissal stage, if the defendant successfully completes the program, the DUI charge is dismissed.