Connecticut has a supervised diversionary program for certain accused persons with qualifying psychiatric disabilities and for qualifying veterans, subject to statutory eligibility requirements.
Last reviewed: August 20, 2026
The statute defines qualifying conditions and limits eligibility based on the seriousness of the charge, other program eligibility, and prior participation.
The court process can include an application, evaluation of eligibility and treatment needs, conditions, and supervision.
Where more than one path may be available, the defense should compare eligibility, conditions, duration, consequences, and the strength of the underlying case before choosing a route.
Connecticut’s supervised diversionary program is not a general alternative for every criminal defendant. Eligibility turns on statutory criteria, the pending charges and the person’s circumstances. The application should be evaluated against the current statute.
Because the program is tied to qualifying conditions and supervision, records and evaluations can become part of the application process. Sensitive information should be gathered thoughtfully and only as necessary for the legal objective.
Program eligibility does not make factual or legal defenses irrelevant. Police reports, video, witnesses, search issues and statements should still be analyzed so the client can compare litigation with diversion.
The statute provides a path toward dismissal when its requirements are satisfied. Conditions, supervision and timing should be explained at the outset so the client knows what successful completion actually requires.
Before choosing a strategy, we want the charging document, police reports, court notices and any release or protective-order paperwork. We also want the client’s complete account while events are still fresh, including facts that may be uncomfortable or seem unimportant. From there we identify evidence that can disappear: video, messages, photographs, location information, receipts, medical records and witnesses. We compare that material with the State’s version and separate three questions: what can the State legally use, what can it actually prove, and what facts about the client and the situation matter to the best lawful resolution.
Do not delete messages, posts, photographs or other potential evidence. Do not contact witnesses to persuade them what to say, and do not discuss the facts on social media. Follow every release condition and court order exactly as written. If police or an investigator asks for an interview, additional consent or access to a device, get legal advice before making a decision.