Florida Legislation on Diversion References Article Written By George Tragos & Peter Sartes

On June 17, 2015 Florida Governor Rick Scott approved legislation that amended previous laws to allow defendants eligible for pre-adjudicatory drug court programs to be able to transfer from the county that they were charged into a different county. For the transfer to take place, the two county representatives of the drug court program would have to request and agree upon it, and it would need to be approved by all parties.

The new law also added that now all defendants eligible for pre and post adjudicatory problem solving courts, such as drug, veteran’s, and mental health courts, could have their case transferred. Additionally, the defendant must approve of the transfer prior to it taking place.

This amendment was put together by the Criminal Justice Subcommittee of the Florida Senate and referenced an article submitted by George Tragos and Peter Sartes of the Law Offices of Tragos, Sartes, and Tragos addressing diversion programs. The article entitled “Diversion Programs: PTI…Dismissal…Problem Solved…or Is It?” was published in The Florida Bar Journal, October 2008.

The article evaluates the positive impact of diversion programs, but also sheds light on the collateral consequences that the defendant may wish to avoid by completing a diversionary program.

Tragos, Sartes, and Tragos are committed to helping their clients navigate the complicated legal process and ensuring their clients are aware of every option available to them, as well as the long lasting consequences that may result.