The Domestic Violence Deferred Prosecution Program is a diversion program that can be offered by the State Attorney’s Office to resolve a case once charges involving domestic violence have been filed. The State Attorney’s Office automatically reviews each of these cases to see if a Defendant is eligible for the program. Eligibility is determined based on several factors such as the facts of the case, the Defendant’s criminal history, and input from the Victim.
The conditions of the program are set by the State Attorney’s Office and may differ based on the details of the case. The program usually consists of a 29-week Batterer’s Intervention Program (BIP) and often will include an Alcohol or Substance Abuse evaluation and treatment, if applicable. Upon completion of the agreed upon conditions, the charges against a Defendant are dismissed.