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.